Accelerating net-zero carbon emissions by electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

Electroreduction of CO2 shows great potential for global CO2 utilization and uptake when collaborated with renewable electricity. Recent advances have been achieved in fundamental understanding and electrocatalyst development for CO2 electroreduction. We think this research area has progressed to the stage where significant efforts can focus on translating the obtained knowledge to the development of large-scale electrolyzers, which have the potential to accelerate the transition of the current energy system into a sustainable and zero-carbon emission energy structure. In this perspective paper, we first critically evaluate the advancement of vapor-feed devices that use CO2 as reactants, from the point of view of industry applications. Then, by carefully comparing their performance to the state-of-the-art water electrolyzers which are well-established technology providing realistic performance targets, we looped back and discussed the remaining challenges including electrode catalysts, reaction conditions, mass transporting, membrane, device durability, operation mode, and so on. Finally, we provide perspectives on the challenges and suggest opportunities for generating fundamental knowledge and achieving technological progress toward the development of practical CO2 electrolyzers for the goal of building low-carbon or/and net carbon-free economies.