Nanostructured Catalysts for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2

Abstract

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into carbon-based fuels has attracted considerable attention as a promising strategy for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. A key challenge for achieving this goal is to develop selective, stable, and efficient electrocatalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. Nanostructured catalysts can provide many advantages compared to bulk materials, including the increase of active sites, the change of the local pH of the electrolyte, and improved stability. This chapter reviews the recent development of nanostructured metal catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2, mainly focusing on the fabrication, characterization, catalytic performance, and the reaction mechanism of these materials. In addition, the recent utilization of nanostructured bimetallic catalysts are introduced and a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism for their ability to reduce CO2 is discussed. Finally, nanostructured carbon is shortly reviewed due to its low cost and improved catalytic activity and stability for the electroreduction of CO2.