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Corresponding Author

Yan-xia CHEN(yachen@ustc.edu.cn)

Abstract

In this review, we present the major developments in the understanding of the mechanisms of the electrochemical reduction of CO2 from a historical perspective. Most of the work discussed in this review was carried out at copper electrodes, as this is the only material at which hydrocarbons are produced in reasonable quantities. The emphasis focuses on the differentiation of mechanisms for the generation of C1 and C2 products as well as factors and methods for controlling the product selectivity of CO2 reduction. We have highlighted ambiguities, assumptions, and important methodologies, such as differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and electrochemical in-situ infrared spectroscopy, which help greatly to clarify these issues in the literature.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

CO2 reduction, mechanism, infrared spectroscopy, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, Cu electrode

Publication Date

2020-02-28

Online Available Date

2019-03-12

Revised Date

2019-03-06

Received Date

2019-01-08

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