In situ/operando X-ray spectroscopy applied to electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: Status and perspectives

X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool to understand the electronic and local structure of electrocatalysts under operating conditions. Although catalysis itself is performed by electroactive species, other, non-electroactive ones play a critical role in electrocatalytic reactions as well. Cations, anions, solvents or reactants all have significant effects in the efficiency of electrocatalytic reactions. Focusing on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, we give a short summary of the current status of the in situ/operando X-ray spectroscopy experiments performed on electroactive species, as well as a perspective on the techniques and setups that could be used to probe non-electroactive ones.