Engineering Sn‐based Catalytic Materials for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate

Abstract The electroreduction of CO2 provides a promising avenue to use renewable electricity for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. In particular, formate is attractive as a liquid hydrogen carrier or used directly in a fuel cell to generate electricity on demand. Sn‐based catalysts have emerged as promising catalysts, however key issues such as how to reduce overpotential, enhance selectivity and maximize long‐term stability are still yet to be resolved. In this minireview, we will highlight recent key advances in developing Sn‐based catalysts, covering experimental and computational efforts on this front. Intriguingly, among the various strategies employed, we find that modifying the Sn oxidation state towards electron deficiency has been most effective. Finally, we also provide a perspective and outlook on future research and development of these Sn‐based catalysts.