Advancements in electrochemical methanol synthesis from CO2: Mechanisms and catalyst developments

Electrochemical CO2 2 reduction (eCO2R) 2 R) has emerged as a promising avenue, offering the dual benefits of mitigating atmospheric CO2 2 while generating value-added chemicals and fuels. In particular, eCO2R 2 R to methanol (CH3OH) 3 OH) holds significant promise due to its various applications in energy and chemical industries, yet only a few studies have been reported thus far, primarily due to the complexity of its reaction pathway. This review first focuses on elucidating the intricate reaction mechanisms involved in CH3OH 3 OH production via eCO2R. 2 R. Then, we highlight recent advancements in catalyst designs, including Cu-based, non-Cu-based, and CoPc-based electrocatalysts. Finally, we summarize the in-situ analysis techniques, including vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, which help gain an in-depth understanding of the reaction intermediate, surface/electronic/geometric structures of electrocatalysts under the working environments. By providing a comprehensive overview of eCO2R 2 R pathways towards CH3OH 3 OH and introducing rational design principles for electrocatalysts, we believe this review can significantly contribute to the advancement of efficient and selective CH3OH 3 OH production and offer valuable insights into the field.