Synthesis, characterizations, and structure-activity relationship of dual-atom catalysts for CO2 electroreduction

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is one of the very effective ways to achieve carbon neutrality, by converting CO₂ into fuels and high-value chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to design efficient CO₂ reduction electrocatalysts and understand their reaction mechanism. Among various catalysts, dual-atom catalysts (DACs) offer several advantages, including a wide range of reaction types, high stability, customizable design, high reaction selectivity, tunable electronic structure, and strong catalytic activity. It is thus crucial to understand the reaction mechanism of DACs in CO₂ reduction, especially the regulation of critical intermediates. In this review, we focus on the synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and application of DACs. Finally, some challenges and further prospects are also summarized, especially in terms of stability, product selectivity, and large-scale deployment. With the advancement of new materials and computational tools, DACs are poised to play increasingly important roles in CO₂ reduction, providing effective solutions for sustainable energy and environmental protection.