Perovskite Oxides for Cathodic Electrocatalysis of Energy-Related Gases: From O2 to CO2 and N2

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are important cathodic reactions for renewable fuel production and energy conversion technologies. However, the sluggish kinetics of these reactions hinders the practical applications of the relevant technologies. Perovskite oxides, a promising family of catalysts with great flexibility in composition and structure engineering, exhibit versatility in electrocatalysis of these reactions. In this review, beginning with a brief introduction on the fundamentals of ORR, CO2RR, and NRR, the mechanistic understanding of the electrocatalysis by perovskite oxides is discussed based on both molecular orbital and band theories. The recent advances of perovskite oxide-based electrocatalysts for ORR, CO2RR, and NRR are then highlighted. Strategies for developing perovskite oxide-based ORR catalysts are emphasized with representative examples, intending to draw on the experience of developing ORR catalysts to both CO2RR and NRR catalysts. Finally, perspectives on the perovskite oxide-based electrocatalysis are discussed by paying particular attention to the practical applications and future development of perovskite oxide-based catalysts.