Molecular enhancement of Cu-based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO2RR) represents an effective means of achieving renewable energy storage and a supply of carbon-based raw materials. However, there are still great challenges in selectively producing specific hydrocarbon compounds. The unique ability of the copper (Cu) catalyst to promote proton-coupled electron transfer processes offers clear advantages in generating value-added products. This review presents molecular enhancement strategies for Cu-based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction. We also elucidate the principles of each strategy for enhancing eCO2RR performance, discuss the structure–activity relationships, and propose some promising molecular enhancement strategies. This review will provide guidance for the development of organic–inorganic hybrid Cu-based catalysts as high-performance CO2 electroreduction catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]