Operando Surface Chemistry on Bimetallic Catalysts for CO 2 Hydrogenation

Understanding how catalyst surfaces evolve under reaction conditions is central to advancing the CO₂ hydrogenation technologies. This Mini-Review discusses recent operando surface science studies on bimetallic catalysts, focusing on how dynamic restructuring, redox processes, and interfacial effects influence activity and selectivity. Using techniques such as in situ STM, XPS, DRIFTS, XAS, and TEM researchers have visualized atomistic surface changes and correlated them with mechanistic behavior across single-crystal alloys, two-dimensional model systems, and supported powders. Integration with theoretical approaches has enabled predictive insights into active sites and reaction pathways. Together, these developments establish operando surface analysis as a powerful framework for guiding the rational design of bimetallic catalysts for sustainable CO₂ conversion.