Acidic CO 2 electroreduction for high CO 2 utilization: catalysts, electrodes, and electrolyzers.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is considered a promising technology for converting atmospheric CO 2 into value-added compounds by utilizing renewable energy. The CO 2 RR has developed in various ways over the past few decades, including product selectivity, current density, and catalytic stability. However, its commercialization is still unsuitable in terms of economic feasibility. One of the major challenges in its commercialization is the low single-pass conversion efficiency (SPCE) of CO 2 , which is primarily caused by the formation of carbonate (CO 3 2- ) in neutral and alkaline electrolytes. Notably, the majority of CO 2 RRs take place in such media, necessitating significant energy input for CO 2 regeneration. Therefore, performing the CO 2 RR under conditions that minimize CO 3 2- formation to suppress reactant and electrolyte ion loss is regarded an optimal strategy for practical applications. Here, we introduce the recent progress and perspectives in the electrochemical CO 2 RR in acidic electrolytes, which receives great attention because of the inhibition of CO 3 2- formation. This includes the categories of nanoscale catalytic design, microscale microenvironmental effects, and bulk scale applications in electrolyzers for zero carbon loss reactions. Additionally, we offer insights into the issue of limited catalytic durability, a notable drawback under acidic conditions and propose guidelines for further development of the acidic CO 2 RR.