Interfacial Electrolyte Effects on Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

作者：Bangwei Deng, Ming Huang, Xiaoli Zhao, Shiyong Mou, Fan Dong · 发表于：ACS Catalysis · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.1021/acscatal.1c03501 · 被引用次数：323 · 研究领域：CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts、Ionic liquids properties and applications、Advanced battery technologies research

Electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction (CO 2 RR), powered by renewable energy, has great potential in decreasing the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere, as well as producing high value-added fuels or chemicals. The electrode and electrolyte together determine the catalytic performance of CO 2 RR. Despite the substantial progress has been made in the design and preparation of high-performance catalysts, the role of electrolyte at the electrode–electrolyte interface (EEI) which could largely affect the local catalytic environment has not been understood thoroughly. To maximize and balance the catalytic performance (i.e., activity, selectivity, and stability) of CO 2 RR from a standpoint of application, the fundamental understanding of interfacial electrolyte effects should be emphasized with equal importance to the intrinsic properties of the catalyst. In this Review, we will focus on the discussion of the role (effects) of electrolytes for CO 2 RR. We summarize the effects of electrolytes according to their compositions and local chemical environment, which include solvents, local pH, cations, anions, impurities, additives, and modifiers. In addition, in-depth investigations on the detection of intermediates during the catalytic reactions using in situ spectroscopy techniques are included. The mechanisms, current challenges, future developments, and perspectives are discussed.