Minireview on Decoding Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction via Lewis Acid–Base Chemistry: Advances and Outlook

作者：Yike Ye, Qian Wu, Zhichuan J. Xu · 发表于：Energy & Fuels · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5c03374 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts、Ionic liquids properties and applications、Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis

Understanding electron transfer behaviors during the electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is essential for unraveling its complex catalytic landscape and developing efficient catalysts. Lewis acid–base theory offers a conceptual and tangible framework to describe such behaviors and has been applied to regulate key steps, including CO 2 activation and product formation. While traditionally established in solution and coordination chemistry, this theory has recently attracted growing interest in the context of electrocatalysis due to the increasingly recognized importance of electrode–electrolyte interfaces. Therefore, in this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the applications of Lewis acid–base concepts in CO 2 RR and discuss their roles in promoting CO 2 activation, tuning reaction pathways, understanding interfacial microenvironments, and facilitating C–C coupling. We also highlight the emerging use of frustrated Lewis pairs in the coelectroreduction of CO 2 and N 2 for urea synthesis. Finally, we outline future directions for integrating Lewis acid–base principles into catalyst design and mechanistic analysis in CO 2 RR.