Recent Progress in the Use of Perovskites for Electrochemical, Photoelectrochemical, and Photovoltaic–Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Abstract

Developing novel functional materials to advance the technological level of clean and renewable energy systems is the focus of much research. Due to their outstanding operational and compositional properties, perovskite-based structures have already been studied as an important class of solid-state components for electrochemical (EC), photoelectrochemical (PEC), and photovoltaic–electrochemical (PV-EC) CO2 reduction, showing great potential in their catalytic activity and device stability and with a promising window for further technological developments. In this review, the different kinds of perovskites in the context of their structural features, which lead to their different applications, are first investigated. Then, we summarize the recent progress in the use of perovskites in EC, PEC, and PV-EC CO2-reduction devices. The research demonstrates that the mechanism and kinetics of intermediate formation have a significant effect on the creation of the final product. Investigations show that appropriate surface modifications, such as through the use of doping agents, alloy construction, and composites, can considerably improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of perovskites. Finally, the perspectives on, and limitations of, the commercial and large-scale production of perovskites for CO2 reduction are stated.