Nanostructured Materials for Heterogeneous Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction and their Related Reaction Mechanisms

Abstract The gradually increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere has been recognized as the primary culprit for the rise of the global mean temperature. In recent years, development of routes for highly efficient conversion of CO 2 has received much attention. This Review describes recent progress on the design and synthesis of solid‐state catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 . The significance of this catalytic conversion is presented, followed by the general parameters for CO 2 electroreduction and a summary of the reaction apparatus. We also discuss various types of solid catalysts based on their CO 2 conversion mechanisms. We summarize the crucial factors (particle size, surface structure, composition, etc.) determining the performance for electroreduction.