Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction to C₂H₄: From lab to fab

The global concerns of energy crisis and climate change, primarily caused by carbon dioxide (CO₂), are of utmost importance. Recently, the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to high value-added multi-carbon (C₂₊) products driven by renewable electricity has emerged as a highly promising solution to alleviate energy shortages and achieve carbon neutrality. Among these C₂₊ products, ethylene (C₂H₄) holds particular importance in the petrochemical industry. Accordingly, this review aims to establish a connection between the fundamentals of electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction to ethylene (CO₂RR-to-C₂H₄) in laboratory-scale research (lab) and its potential applications in industrial-level fabrication (fab). The review begins by summarizing the fundamental aspects, including the design strategies of high-performance Cu-based electrocatalysts and advanced electrolyzer devices. Subsequently, innovative and value-added techniques are presented to address the inherent challenges encountered during the implementations of CO₂RR-to-C₂H₄ in industrial scenarios. Additionally, case studies of the techno-economic analysis of the CO₂RR-to-C₂H₄ process are discussed, taking into factors such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and market potential. The review concludes by outlining the perspectives and challenges associated with scaling up the CO₂RR-to-C₂H₄ process. The insights presented in this review are expected to make a valuable contribution in advancing the CO₂RR-to-C₂H₄ process from lab to fab.