Photo-/electrocatalytic approaches to CO2 conversion on Cu2O-based catalysts

Carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR) with renewable energy represents a promising way for effective utilization of the major anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Cuprous oxide (Cu2O)-based catalysts have attracted great attention in recent years due to abundant reserves, lower price, environmental friendliness, and higher activity of CO2RR. Moreover, Cu+ site in Cu2O plays an important role in improving the C2+ product selectivity. This paper reviews recent advances of photo- and electrocatalytic CO2RR on Cu2O-based catalysts in both experimental and computational studies. Firstly, the basic principle of photo- and electrocatalytic CO2RR on Cu2O-based catalysts is briefly reviewed. Secondly, various strategies have been adopted to improve CO2RR catalytic performance of Cu2O-based catalysts, mainly including morphology control, heterojunction engineering, metal deposition, and defective engineering. Finally, potential strategies to further promote CO2RR have also been suggested: including single atom catalyst, double atom catalyst, single cluster catalyst, and frustrated Lewis pairs, etc. We hope that the present comprehensive overview paves the way for future development of CO2RR on Cu2O-based catalysts. [Display omitted] •Review of recent advances of Cu2O-based catalyst for photo-/electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.•Basic principle of CO2RR on Cu2O-based catalyst is reviewed for photo- and electrocatalysis.•Various strategies to improve CO2RR on Cu2O-based catalysts are reviewed.•Potential strategies to further promote CO2RR are also suggested.