In many CO2 reduction systems, the conventional oxidation half-reaction is typically the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the sluggish kinetics of the OER and its low-value product (O2) pose key challenges to the practical implementation and economic feasibility of these systems. Accordingly, developing alternative oxidation reactions that yield high-value-added products has emerged as an essential strategy to enhance both the efficiency and the overall economic attractiveness of CO2 reduction technology. Herein, we systematically summarize recent progress in coupling CO2 reduction with value-added oxidation reactions, such as the oxidation of alcohols, amines, biomass-derived feedstocks and plastic waste. This integration spans various catalytic types, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and multi-energy-driven catalysis of CO2 reduction systems. Finally, future perspectives are proposed, highlighting several promising directions, including the rational design of novel catalysts, in-depth mechanistic studies, and comprehensive system-level analyses of energy efficiency and techno-economic performance.
Ding et al. (Thu,) studied this question.