Recent research progress of bismuth-based electrocatalysts for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

With modern science and technology developing, the concentration of atmospheric carbon oxide (CO2) has increased substantially. CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) can efficiently utilize sustainable power to produce value-added chemicals and implement energy storage. Previous researches have proved bismuth metal and bismuth-based materials can transfer CO2 to formate selectively. However, in this paper, the latest progress in the synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts with bismuth-based CO2RR catalysts is reviewed from the aspects of catalyst material design, synthesis, reaction mechanism and performance verification/optimization. Some methods of designing catalysts are discussed and analyzed from different angles, including catalyst morphology, defects and heterogeneous structures. In particular, the application of in situ characterization technique in catalyst characterization is introduced. Subsequently, some views and expectations regarding the current challenges and future potential of CO2RR research are presented.