Recent Breakthroughs in CO₂ Electroreduction for Efficient Ethanol Production: A Review

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into ethanol (C₂H₅OH) presents a promising pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while offering a renewable alternative to conventional fossil fuels and materials. The efficiency of this process is heavily influenced by the performance of electrocatalysts, electrolyzers, and electrolyte compositions. However, significant barriers remain, including low conversion efficiency, limited stability, high costs, restricted mass transport, and poor selectivity. Despite notable progress in CO₂ electroreduction to C₂H₅OH, further advancements are required to establish it as an economically viable and scalable technology for sustainable energy production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent innovations in the field, focusing on the development of advanced electrocatalysts, optimized electrolyte systems, and improved electrolyzer designs. By analyzing these key factors, this work aims to offer valuable insights into the current progress and challenges associated with CO₂-to-C₂H₅OH electroreduction, highlighting the essential steps needed for its practical implementation.