Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Ethanol: An Approach to Transforming Greenhouse Gas to Fuel Source.

Converting carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into high-value fuels or chemicals is considered as a promising way to utilize CO2 and alleviate the excessive greenhouse gas emission. Among multiple catalysis approaches, electrochemical reduction of CO2 to ethanol has an important prospect due to the high energy density and widely applications of ethanol. In recent years, many electrocatalysts for CO2 reduce reaction (CO2 RR) have shown promising catalytic activity for ethanol production. In this review, we will introduce the recent progress in this field. The basic principles and electrochemical performances of CO2 RR are reviewed at first. Then, several categories of active electrocatalysts for CO2 RR to ethanol are summarized, including the discussion of reaction mechanism and catalytic sites. Finally, several possible strategies are proposed, providing guidance for future design and preparation of high-performance catalysts.