Analysis of Selection Strategies for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide using Metal-based Catalysts

Abstract

Excessive consumption of fossil fuels has led to excessive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), triggering serious environmental problems such as global warming. Electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ (CO₂RR), a core technology for achieving CO₂ capture and high-value conversion under the "dual carbon" goals, can directionally convert CO₂ into high-value products, such as carbon monoxide (CO), multi-carbon fuels (C₂⁺), and methanol, under mild conditions. The key to its technological breakthrough lies in the research and selection of efficient catalysts. Metal-based catalysts (represented by copper-based and silver-based ones) can significantly optimize catalytic activity, product selectivity and long-term stability through modification strategies such as crystal plane regulation, defect engineering and carrier composite, demonstrating potential for large-scale application. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of copper-based, silver-based and other metal-based catalysts, analyzes their modification mechanisms and performance advantages, sorts out the core challenges currently faced in industrialization, and looks forward to the future development direction, providing a reference for the selection optimization and industrial application of CO₂RR metal-based catalysts.