Research Progress in Photo/electroreduction of CO2 by Metal Element Modified Carbon-based Materials

In order to achieve the aims of “Peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality” and alleviate the energy crisis as well as attain CO2 emission reduction, photo/electrocatalysis has been regarded as a cost-effective win-win strategy for reducing CO2 to renewable hydrocarbon fuels and high-value-added chemicals. The research and development of photo/electrocatalysts, as the crucial issue, has been one of main research hotspots. Carbon-based materials have attracted extensive attentions owing to their excellent physical and chemical stability, surface properties, particular electrical conductivity, and adsorption capacity. More importantly, the introduction of metal active components into carbon-based materials not only affects the surface morphology, particle size, dispersion and existence form of metal, but also controls the charge transfer between metal and carrier, and consequently, improving CO2 adsorption capacity and catalytic conversion efficiency. Therefore, in this paper, first, the preparation methods of a series of metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and bimetal) supported by carbon-based materials are reviewed; Second, the effects of the bonding modes between carbon materials and various metals on catalytic performance are discussed; Finally, the existing problems and future application prospects of carbon-based metal composite materials are summarized and prospected.