University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 1-13.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502023

Special Issue:

• Chemistry Today • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion: A Key to Unlocking a Low-Carbon Future

Hailian Cheng1,2, Shuaiqiang Jia1,2, Chunjun Chen1,2, Haihong Wu1,2, Buxing Han1,2,3   

  1. 1 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China;
    2 Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai 202162, China;
    3 CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
  • Received:2025-02-08 Accepted:2025-03-25 Published:2025-12-27
  • Contact: Shuaiqiang Jia, Haihong Wu E-mail:sqjia@chem.ecnu.edu.cn;hhwu@chem.ecnu.edu.cn

Abstract: Amid global climate change and the ongoing energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), has become a major challenge for the international community. The conventional reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates the greenhouse effect and depletes energy resources. Therefore, the development of green technologies capable of converting CO2 into high-value-added chemicals and fuels is crucial for achieving a circular carbon economy and sustainable development. Electrocatalytic CO2 conversion, an innovative and environmentally friendly approach, has garnered increasing attention from both academia and industry. This technology utilizes electrochemical methods to convert atmospheric CO2 into valuable chemicals such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, and acids through specific electrocatalysts. These products hold great potential for applications in energy, materials, and chemical industries. This paper reviews recent advancements in electrocatalytic CO2 conversion, discusses key scientific challenges and technical obstacles, and explores future development trends, aiming to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for advancing its commercialization and industrial implementation.

Key words: Carbon resource, Carbon dioxide, Electrocatalysis, High-value-added chemical