P-block metal-based (Sn, In, Bi, Pb) electrocatalysts for selective reduction of CO2 to formate

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to fuels and chemical feedstocks using renewable electricity provides a promising approach toward artificial carbon recycling to address the global challenges in energy and sustainability. The most crucial step for this technique is to develop efficient electrocatalysts capable of reducing CO2 to valuable hydrocarbon products at a low overpotential with high selectivity and stability. In this article, we present a review on the recent developments and understanding of p-block post-transition metal (e.g., Sn, In, Pb, and Bi) based electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction. This group of electrocatalysts shows particularly high selectivity for reduction of CO2 to formate or formic acid. Our main focus will be on the fundamental understanding of surface chemistry, active sites, reaction mechanism, and structure–activity relationships. Strategies to enhance the activity including morphology control, nanostructuring, defect engineering, doping, and alloying to modulate the electronic structure will also be briefly discussed. Finally, we summarize the existing challenges and present perspectives for the future development of this exciting field.