Material design at nano and atomic scale for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction (ECR) into value-added chemicals offers potential solution for renewable energy as well as global carbon footprint concerns. In this review we introduce the general methods and metrics that are commonly applied in ECR, followed by a discussion of current reaction mechanisms and different pathways. We highlight how size and structure of electrocatalysts affect ECR performance and review recent advances in metal-free and single-atom catalysts. The challenges of ECR are also discussed and optimistic perspectives are made for future work.