From Molecules to Modules: Pathways toward Scalable Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction

作者：Gong Zhang, Shuying Li, Xiaowei Du, Yangning Zhang, Tuo Wang, Peng Zhang, Jinlong Gong · 发表于：Accounts of Chemical Research · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1021/acs.accounts.5c00416 · 被引用次数：5 · 研究领域：CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts、Ionic liquids properties and applications、Machine Learning in Materials Science

Conspectus Achieving carbon neutrality requires the development of robust carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Among the various carbon utilization pathways, the electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction reaction (CO 2 R) presents a compelling approach, enabling the direct conversion of CO 2 and water into valuable fuels and chemical feedstocks using renewable electricity. While recent breakthroughs in mechanistic insights, catalyst materials, and reactor designs have been achieved, significant challenges remain in translating promising lab-scale results into techno-economically viable technologies. Key challenges hindering this transition include (1) a lack of rational screening and scalable fabrication methods for high-performance electrocatalysts and corresponding electrode assemblies; (2) a shortage of understanding how the transport phenomena within the electrodes and electrolyzers affect the microenvironment of reactions; and (3) a deficiency in designing principles for electrolyzers and stacks capable of large-scale production. All these points originate from the knowledge mismatch of the CO 2 R between the microscopic perspective and the systematic point of view. Therefore, bridging the gap between fundamental knowledge of the reaction at the molecular level and process engineering for scale-up at the module level is crucial to accelerating the application of CO 2 R. This Account describes chemistry and engineering methodologies, highli...