Energy storage through CO2 electroreduction: A brief review of advanced Sn-based electrocatalysts and electrodes

As fossil fuel usage continues to increase on a global scale, effective CO2 conversion methods become increasingly important as many different avenues are being actively explored. In the case of CO2 reduction, Sn-based electrocatalysts and their associated electrodes have shown great promise. In this review, recent progresses in Sn-based electrocatalysts and their associated electrodes for CO2 reduction are briefly reviewed with a focus on catalyst synthesis, electrode fabrication, and electrocatalytic performance. Sn-based catalytic performance is greatly affected by the structure, morphology and composition of the catalyst, which in turn are strongly dependent on synthesis strategies and processes. Here, three catalyst synthesis methods: hydrothermal, electrodeposition and plasma treatment methods will be discussed and analyzed. Furthermore, electrode fabrication methods using Sn-based catalysts for CO2 electroreduction will also be discussed to optimize catalytic activity, stability, and product selectivity so as to maximize CO2 electroreduction performance. Finally, several technical challenges are analyzed and future research directions are proposed to facilitate further research and development toward the practical usage of Sn-based catalysts.