Proton transfer dynamics mediated CO2 electroreduction reaction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is crucial to addressing environmental crises and producing chemicals. Proton activation and transfer are essential in CO2RR. To date, few research reviews have focused on this process and its effect on catalytic performance. Recent studies have demonstrated ways to improve CO2RR by regulating proton transfer dynamics. This Concept highlights the use of regulating proton transfer dynamics to enhance CO2RR for the target product and discusses modulation strategies for proton transfer dynamics and operative mechanisms in typical systems, including single-atom catalysts, molecular catalysts, metal heterointerfaces, and organic-ligand modified metal catalysts. Characterization methods for proton transfer dynamics during CO2RR are also discussed, providing powerful tools for the hydrogen-involving electrochemical study. This Concept offers new insights into the CO2RR mechanism and guides the design of efficient CO2RR systems.