Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (ECO2RR) is a promising way to realize the transformation of waste into treasure, which can not only meet the environmental goal of reducing carbon emissions, but also obtain clean energy and valuable industrial products simultaneously. Herein, we first introduce the complex CO2RR mechanisms according to the number of carbons in the product. Since the coupling of C-C bonds is unanimously recognized as the key mechanism step for ECO2RR to generate high-value products, the structural-activity relationship of the electrocatalysts is emphatically reviewed. Then, we comprehensively sort out the updated developments from both experiment and theory, including different categories of cutting-edge electrocatalysts and theoretical representative insights for various effects. Finally, the challenges are discussed from the perspectives of both materials and devices to inspire researchers to promote the industrial application of ECO2RR at an early date.

This article is Open Access

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