Catalyst design for electrochemical CO2 reduction to ethylene

Summary

In electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂R) into chemicals and fuels, it is a long-standing challenge to suppress the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and steer selectivity to a single valuable product. Ethylene is a desired model molecule in light of its large market size, range of applications from polymers to sustainable aviation fuel, and large present-day carbon intensity. The reaction pathways and reactivity of CO₂R rely on catalyst surface properties and local reaction environments. Here we review the mechanistic understanding of CO₂R to ethylene; we then discuss catalyst design strategies in light of the link between catalyst structure, reaction pathways, and ethylene production performance. We close with challenges in catalyst design and provide an outlook for further research directions to accelerate the rational design of catalysts.