Designing Surface and Interface Structures of Copper-Based Catalysts for Enhanced Electrochemical Reduction of CO to Alcohols.

Electrochemical CO reduction (ECR) has emerged as a promising solution to address both the greenhouse effect caused by CO emissions and the energy shortage resulting from the depletion of nonrenewable fossil fuels. The production of multicarbon (C) products via ECR, especially high-energy-density alcohols, is highly desirable for industrial applications. Copper (Cu) is the only metal that produces alcohols with appreciable efficiency and kinetic viability in aqueous solutions. However, poor product selectivity is the main technical problem for applying the ECR technology in alcohol production. Extensive research has resulted in the rational design of electrocatalyst architectures using various strategies. This design significantly affects the adsorption energetics of intermediates and the reaction pathways for alcohol production. In this review, we focus on the design of effective catalysts for ECR to alcohols, discussing fundamental principles, innovative strategies, and mechanism understanding. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects in utilizing Cu-based materials for alcohol production via ECR are discussed.