Catalysts and modification strategies for CO2 capture and in-situ electroreduction

As atmospheric CO2 concentration continues to rise, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology has emerged as a critical strategy toward achieving carbon neutrality. CCU offers a dual advantage of mitigating CO2 emissions while producing value-added chemicals and fuels. However, conventional CCU strategies typically decouple the CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion processes, resulting in increased system complexity, higher energy demands, and limited economic viability. Building an integrated system of CO2 capture and in-situ electroreduction can bridge the technological gap, reduce costs, and ultimately enhance carbon cycle efficiency. In this review, we highlight recent advances in CO2 capture and in-situ electroreduction technologies. We first evaluate the strengths and limitations of conventional CCU technologies and the emerging CO2 capture and direct utilization technologies. Subsequently, we summarize the breakthroughs in multifunctional catalyst systems and key catalyst optimization strategies, and analyze the mechanisms behind the performance improvement. Meanwhile, we also discuss the application progress of in-situ techniques and theoretical calculations in CO2 capture and in-situ electroreduction. Finally, we outline the unresolved scientific and engineering challenges and propose future research directions to accelerate the development of CO2 capture and in-situ electroreduction.