Novel approaches for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction into higher hydrocarbons

Creative solutions are required to overcome global warming due to the rising CO2 emissions from the utilization of fossil fuels. Through the conversion of CO2 into useful chemicals and alternative fuels, CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies present a possible avenue for action. This article critically investigates current developments in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction and emphasizes the use of C-C coupling processes to produce higher hydrocarbons. The research investigates the difficulties related to catalyst stability, product selectivity, and energy efficiency while examining benchmark studies on CO2 electroreduction into C1 and C2 products. Noteworthy advancements in the electrochemical Fischer-Tropsch (FT) method and molecular catalysts for the synthesis of longer-chain hydrocarbons are discussed in detail. The review also covers recent advances in catalyst design, including the creation of proton exchange membrane systems with long-term stability and the highest CO2 conversion efficiencies under reaction conditions relevant to the industry. Optimizing catalyst design and surface modifications to improve performance and overcome competitive side reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), are potential future research paths. These developments could help the world's attempts to achieve carbon neutrality by opening the door for scalable and sustainable CO2 conversion methods.