Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction Technology Toward Practical Application: Status Quo and Challenges

Abstract Electrochemical CO 2 reduction (denoted as ECO 2 R) technology is expected to transform greenhouse gas CO 2 into a range of fuels and chemicals combined with renewable electricity. A wide range of fundamental research has been dedicated to the clarification of reaction mechanisms and developing the catalyst materials, which have significantly facilitated the level of ECO 2 R technology. Nevertheless, ECO 2 R technology still encounters limitations such as low CO 2 utilization efficiency and insufficient selectivity to high‐value products. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the technology to be implemented in practical applications. In an electrolysis system, the electrolyzer represents the core component of the system and the primary reaction site. Therefore, the composition and structure of the electrolyzer will directly affect the reaction performance. This review begins by outlining the recent progress of the ECO 2 R technology at a large‐scale level, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the industrial ECO 2 R electrolyzer configuration, including detailed considerations of the electrode, gas diffusion layer, and membrane in the electrolyzer. Finally, we elucidate the remaining challenges associated with the industrialization of this technology and offer suggestions for advancing it.