Progress in regulating electronic structure strategies on Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction

To address the ever-increasing CO2 concentration problem in the atmospheric air arisen by massive consumption of fossil fuels, electrocatalytic technologies that reduce CO2 to generate high value-added products have been gaining increasing interest. Cu-based CO2 reduction catalysts have attracted widespread attention owing to their capability of generating C1 and C2+ products. However, Cu-based catalysts are highly challenged by their low product selectivity. Recently, Cu-based bimetallic catalysts have been found the unique catalytical activity and selectivity in CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR). The incorporation of other metals can change the electronic circumstance of Cu-based catalysts, promoting the adsorption ability of the intermediate products and consequently leading to high selectivity. In this minireview, we intend to summarize recent advances of Cu-based bimetallic catalysts in producing C1 and C2+ products, involving designing heterostructure, alloy, defects and surface modification engineering. We pay special attention to the regulation of electronic structure of the composite catalysts, as well as insights into the relationship between electronic property and catalytical performance for Cu-based bimetallic catalysts.