Advanced Copper‐Based Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction Toward Circular Carbon Economy

The urgent need for a sustainable carbon recycling economy is driving the development of efficient and durable electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Cooper (Cu)‐based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction has attracted significant attention, due to its unique activity and selectivity for producing value‐added C2+ products. Here, we review different pathways for producing value‐added C2+ products and corresponding molecular‐level transformation mechanisms from CO2 to C2+ products, providing guidelines for enhancing the stability and product selectivity of Cu‐based electrocatalysts. Emerging technologies, including in situ spectroscopic characterizations and data‐driven approaches, are investigated for their great potential to enhance catalytic performance and optimize CO2 reduction systems. Owing to the excellent stability and selectivity of Cu‐based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, we highlight its potential as a promising and practical route for simultaneously achieving a circular carbon economy and mitigating climate change. Key challenges for its commercial applications are addressed with potential solutions, indicating future research directions for accelerating the large‐scale deployments of Cu‐based electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. With concerted efforts, sustainably transforming CO2 into value‐added C2+ products using Cu‐based electrocatalysts contributes significantly to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, including 7, 12, and 13).