Work

The role of interfacial water in promoting C–C coupling during CO2 electroreduction

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: ABSTRACT The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 (CO 2 RR) into hydrocarbons and oxygenates presents a promising pathway toward a carbon-neutral energy cycle, but achieving selective product formation remains a challenge. While extensive efforts have focused on catalyst design and electrolyte composition, the role of the interfacial water properties, an often-overlooked parameter, has only recently come under investigation. Water serves as the primary proton donor (in aqueous electrolytes) in the absence of hydronium which can influence the competition between CO 2 RR and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite studies dating back to the 1980s demonstrating that electrolyte composition significantly impacts CO 2 RR performance, the effects of the electrolyte composition on the interfacial water properties have remained largely unexplored. Recent findings suggest that tuning the interfacial water properties can influence C–C coupling by altering solvation environments and stabilizing reaction intermediates. This perspective explores how tuning the interfacial water properties improves C-C coupling, providing a new strategy for improving catalysis.

Source: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101722

Authors: Anthony Shoji Hall, David Raciti

Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630