Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: RR, and direct conversion, in which solvated (bi)carbonate-derived species are activated at the cathode. We further discuss a surface- or lattice-mediated regime involving catalyst-bound carbonate reservoirs. Although these pathways may coexist, they differ fundamentally in carbon-species transport, interfacial reaction steps, catalyst-design requirements and reactor architectures. Using this pathway-resolved framework, we analyze the roles of acid-base speciation, proton-coupled electron transfer, cation-carbonate structuring, membrane-regulated carbon flux and catalytic microenvironments. We further evaluate catalyst and electrolyzer design, mechanistic evidence, carbon accounting and integration with carbon capture, including emerging direct-air-to-chemicals concepts. Finally, we identify the mechanistic and system-level requirements for advancing (bi)carbonate electrolysis towards energy-efficient, closed-loop capture-conversion processes.
Source: Chemical Science
DOI: 10.1039/d6sc05532j
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Young Scientists Fund
OpenAlex ID: W7204864472