Effects of the delocalization state on electrocatalytic CO reduction: a mini-review

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) is a way to alleviate environmental pollution and realize carbon recycling, which converts CO 2 into value-added chemicals and fuels. Recently, the delocalization state regulation of catalysts has emerged as an effective method to evaluate the catalytic performance in CO 2 RR. The delocalization state of catalysts has been found to promote the stability and selectivity of CO 2 RR, which is essentially based on enhancing the electron conductivity of catalysts or regulating the adsorption of intermediates. In this mini-review, we first discuss how the delocalization state of catalysts affects their catalytic properties. Then, we summarize recent progress on the subject in two parts: stability and selectivity of CO 2 RR. In particular, we have emphasized the selectivity part, breaking it into two components: hydrogen adsorption and CO 2 RR intermediates. Finally, we conclude the review with some observations by outlining the challenges and presenting our viewpoints on the future research directions in this field. The delocalization state of catalysts has been found to promote the stability and selectivity of CO 2 RR. This mini-review was discussed how the delocalization state of catalysts affects catalytic properties.