Advanced electrocatalytic technologies for conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol by electrochemical reduction: Recent progress and future perspectives

The need for energy has skyrocketed since the industrial revolution, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration. Therefore, developing and implementing effective solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions is a global priority. There are a number of strategies for reducing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, such as capture, sequestration, and utilization. Electrochemical reduction (ECR) is a cutting-edge method for mitigating atmospheric CO₂ by converting it into beneficial byproducts such as methanol. It is widely acknowledged that CO₂-ECR is a thermodynamically stable but kinetically slow process. The low selectivity and activity of the electrocatalytic systems continue to be one of the most critical challenges connected with CO₂-ECR technology, despite the tremendous progress that has been made in this area. As a result, it is necessary to conduct a timely evaluation of the state of the art in CO₂-ECR, focusing on the manufacturing of the electrocatalytic system by combining techno and economic feasibility. This review focuses on process conditions, cell designs, the nature of active sites, the impact of various metals, and the use of different supporting materials for superior efficiency, chemical stability, and high conductivity with a brief comparison of CO₂-ECR to methanol. Additionally, a brief discussion of the techno-feasibility analysis of CO₂-ECR has been presented, extending the discussion to include challenges and recommendations for future directions, all with the goal of commercializing the most efficient electrocatalytic systems for methanol production. This review is useful for academic and professional environmentalists, scientists, and experts working to mitigate the harmful effects of CO₂.