Cu2O-based catalysts applied for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: a review

The application of sustainable energy-driven electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) technology enables the synthesis of valuable chemicals and feedstocks. This offers a promising pathway to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuels. Cu2O-based electrocatalysts have been widely investigated owing to their cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and structurally tunable nature. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide using Cu2O-based catalysts with a focus on the properties, structure, and synthesis of Cu2O. It summarizes the performance of Cu2O-based catalysts in CO2 reduction, discusses several optimization strategies to enhance their stability and redox capabilities and outlines their application in CO2 reduction. Finally, the opportunities, challenges and research directions associated with Cu2O-based catalysts in the field of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are identified, providing guidance for their broad application in the energy and environment sectors.