Abstract:
The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO
2) driven by renewable energy is an important route for CO
2 conversion and utilization. Formic acid (HCOOH), as an important chemical and safe hydrogen storage material, is one of the main and promising materials for CO
2 electroreduction. The physical and chemical properties of CO
2 and the reaction mechanisms for its electroreduction to HCOOH are outlined and the recent development of carbon-based catalysts, including metal-free carbon catalysts and carbon-supported catalysts, for CO
2 electroreduction to HCOOH is reviewed. The design of reactors for HCOOH production and strategies for their optimization are summarized and discussed. Hybrid CO
2 electrolysis technology is analyzed, such as electroreduction coupled with the methanol electrooxidation reaction. Lastly, key challenges and development trends for CO
2 electroreduction to HCOOH are presented, which are expected to provide guidance for the development of this technique.