Catalysis

Engineering

Electrochemistry

Metallurgy

Materials science

Cathode

Gaseous diffusion

Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis

Biochemistry

Commodity chemicals

Chemical engineering

Power to gas

Physical chemistry

Redox

Thermodynamics

Physics

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Membrane

Diffusion

Chemistry

Electrode

Electrolyte

Electrolysis

Nature Reviews Materials

The CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a potential means of using renewable electricity to synthesize commodity chemicals and fuels. The CO2RR can be performed at industrially relevant product formation rates in an electrolyser, which must simultaneously manage the transport of electrons, water, CO2 and protons at a cathode. Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) and polymer electrolyte membranes are used to mediate these critical processes. Consequently, the design and development of GDEs and membranes tailored for the CO2RR is critical. In this Review, we discuss how the properties of GDEs and polymer electrolyte membranes affect CO2RR electrolysis. The CO2 reduction reaction can be used to produce carbon-neutral chemicals using renewable electricity. This Review presents material design strategies for controlling the transport of products and reactants in electrochemical reactors that convert CO2 emissions into chemicals and fuels.

Gas diffusion electrodes and membranes for CO2 reduction electrolysers