Design of electrocatalysts and electrodes for CO2 electroreduction to formic acid and formate

• Published in: Coordination chemistry reviews 2025-02, Vol.524, p.216322, Article 216322
• Main Authors: Tran, Dinh Son, Vu, Nhu-Nang, Nemamcha, Houssam-Eddine, Boisvert, Cedrik, Legrand, Ulrich, Fink, Arthur G., Navarro-Pardo, Fabiola, Dinh, Cao-Thang, Nguyen-Tri, Phuong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalyst; CO2 reduction reaction; Electrocatalysis; Electrolysis; Formate; Formic acid; Reactor
• ISSN: 0010-8545
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2024.216322

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) is gaining attraction as it enables the generation of highly valuable chemicals while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to designing efficient catalysts that selectively reduce CO2 into various chemicals such as formic acid/formate, carbon monoxide, methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The efficiency of the CO2RR is evaluated through selectivity to the desired product, overpotential, current density, and stability. This work reviews emerging strategies to improve the CO2RR performance to produce formate/formic acid by tuning catalyst and electrode structures. The catalyst-developing strategies are discussed in terms of engineering electronic and geometric structures, surface oxidation structure, and enlarging surface active area. The design of gas diffusion electrodes and reactor configuration, which are essential in enhancing the efficiency of the electrochemical system, are also mentioned. Finally, insights and perspectives are given on how to overcome the instability of catalysts and limitations of reactor designs. [Display omitted] •The recent progress of catalysts and reactors for the electrochemical reduction reaction of CO2 to formate is discussed.•Strategies to improve the performance of catalysts are presented and discussed.•Various gas diffusion electrodes and reactor designs to enhance the electrochemical reaction are mentioned.•Issues related to the catalysts' instability and system's durability are also highlighted.•New insights and perspectives for future studies on CO2 reduction to formic acid/formate are given.