Polymer Molecular Interface Engineering—Enhanced Cu‐Based Catalysts for the CO 2 Electroreduction Reaction

Abstract

Cu‐based electrocatalysts are the most efficient viable catalysts for converting CO 2 into multi‐carbon products. However, Cu‐based catalysts still suffer from high overpotential, low selectivity for single C 2 and C 2+ products, and insufficient stability. In recent years, researchers have regarded the engineering design of the catalytic‐reaction interface as an effective strategy for improving electrocatalysis performance. In this review, we focus on Cu‐based electrocatalysts with polymer‐mediated interfacial engineering for enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability of the CO 2 electroreduction reaction (CO 2 RR). The corresponding design strategies can be categorized into five aspects: (1) surface electronic structure modulation of Cu, (2) CO 2 adsorption and activation, (3) reaction microenvironment regulation, (4) molecular protective layer construction, and (5) key intermediates' stabilization. To motivate further advances in this field and address the associated scientific and technological challenges, we also propose future development directions by integrating the unique characteristics of polymers within CO 2 RR systems. This review will inspire interfacial design strategies via polymer modification of Cu‐based catalysts and accelerate its applications in other electrocatalytic systems.