Recent Developments in Copper-Based Catalysts for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Abstract

The drastic climate change imposing adverse environmental effects receives serious research attention for finding a suitable solution. The replacement of conventional fossil energy sources with renewable and sustainable energy sources is the potential route; and thus, manifests as a viable solution. Accordingly, the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction process coupled with the renewable energy source is an emerging strategy for adopting a sustainable approach. However, the existing challenges in designing suitable catalyst, support material, electrolyte, inadequate selectivity, and intermediate reactions of CO2 reduction demand substantial research advancement. Numerous studies reported for the CO2 reduction process highlight the importance of catalyst design and product selectivity. Importantly, the copper-based catalysts, capable in the output of multi-carbon products, are reported as a "star" material. This review; therefore, focuses on catalyst design strategies, unique structural/morphological features, and product selectivity of diverse copper-based catalysts. The outstanding findings of copper-based catalysts and the corresponding products are critically discussed with adequate figures of merits. The impact of structural/morphological features on product selectivity is discussed in detail. The future scope and author perspectives on copper-based catalysts for the feasible electrocatalytic CO2 reduction application are summarized.