Electrocatalytic Utilization of Air Pollutants and GHGs: Fundamentals, Electrode Materials, and Reactors

Air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) pose threats to the sustainable development of human society and ecosystems. While various established techniques are available for reducing air pollutant and GHG emissions from industrial sources, they typically focus on pollutant treatment rather than conversion and utilization. Electrocatalysis is a promising technology for converting these harmful gases into valuable chemicals using renewable energy inputs under mild conditions. Air pollutants and GHGs always coexist industrially and share some similar properties. Their electrochemical conversion, which occurs through similar electron-transfer mechanisms, can therefore be achieved synergistically in a specific scenario. This review critically examines the rationality, key considerations, and practical strategies for the synergistic conversion of air pollutants and GHGs, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial adoption. We assess the current state of electrocatalytic technologies, covering fundamental mechanisms, electrode materials, and reactor designs. Detailed analyses of electrocatalysts for anodic, cathodic, and synergistic reactions are provided along with investigations into reactor configurations and the role of external fields in enhancing performance. By exploring the challenges and future perspectives in gas-involved electrocatalysis, this review identifies critical barriers that need to be overcome to enable large-scale industrial implementation.