Research on the Selectivity of Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide

Renewable energy conversion of carbon dioxide is a major path to carbon-based fuels and chemicals that hold the promise of powering a sustainable society. Whereas the majority of carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) reactions are conducted in alkaline electrolyte, operating under these conditions often creates spontaneous generation of carbonates, generating unfavorable energy balance and carbon dioxide utilization. In addition to this, possible solutions arise when the conditions are made acidic which reduces these issues, however, selective CO2RR at high proton concentration has long been a challenge to study. The paper at hand will address the effect of various catalysts on the selectivity of CO2RR and also examine the effects of pH, proton depletion and the cation. It will then look in to the future and, speculate on the open questions left in this emerging area and what can be done about what can be done to emerge with the practical feasibility of CO2RR under acid.