Advancing electrochemical CO2 reduction: Insights from operando Attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy analysis

Cu-based electrodes have been at the forefront of research on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 for several decades owing to their ability to generate multi-carbon products. Various innovative approaches, including alloying, doping, and surface modification, have been used to develop catalysts with superior selectivity, activity, and durability. Despite these developments, the commercialization of Cu-based electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction remains elusive. This review provides comprehensive insights into catalyst design and discusses methodologies using in situ surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy for the validation of newly designed catalysts, particularly those developed considering the information presented herein.