The Role of Electrocatalysts in the Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 into Multi-Carbon Products (C2+): A Review

In recent years, the electrochemical conversion of CO2 gasses into renewable fuels (e.g., ethylene, ethanol, and propanol) has attracted much attention. In this process, electrocatalysts play a crucial role in accelerating the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) process. In this review, the role of electrocatalysts in the synthesis of C2+ products (e.g., ethanol, ethylene, and propanol) from CO2 was investigated. To this end, various classifications of electrocatalysts such as metals, metal oxides, metal alloys, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), carbon-based electrocatalysts, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their utilization in CO2 conversion into C2+ chemicals were fully investigated. Also, the impact of various factors such as catalyst stability, temperature, membrane type, pressure, current density, pH, and the type of electrolyte on the CO2RR process to generate C2+ valuable products was investigated. Moreover, the mechanism of this process for producing renewable fuels was investigated. Furthermore, the limitations and future perspective of CO2RR were surveyed. Finally, the industrial application of this process for producing value-added products was investigated. Based on our investigation, Cu and Cu2O-based electrocatalysts are suitable catalysts for C2+ products, particularly ethylene and ethanol.