Mechanisms of catalytic electrochemical reactions of oxygen reduction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR)

The review covers the electrochemical reactions of oxygen reduction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction (CO₂RR) with a focus on mechanisms, structure of intermediates, and thermodynamics of reactions. The ORR on metal,heteroatom-codoped nanocarbon substrates as catalysts is a promising source of pure electrical energy. CO₂RR, being a synthetic analogue of the photosynthesis reaction, has great potential for the generation of partial or complete reduction products. Theoretical insights into the mechanism and kinetics of CO₂RR are just being developed, so the systematization of advances and emerging issues is a necessary step for further progress.<br> The bibliography includes 242 references.