Towards Carbon-Neutral Methanol Production from Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction

Abstract

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into liquid fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy is a promising method to reduce concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Methanol, a value-added fuel and raw industrial material, can potentially derive from CO2 electroreduction. However, this route has been plagued by insufficient selectivity, activity, and efficiency. This review summarizes recent advances of electrochemical CO2-to-methanol conversion, highlighting mechanistic studies, materials innovations, and reactor designs that aim for improving selectivity, activity, and efficiency of the reaction. The potential challenges and prospects are discussed to guide future advances of this emerging field.