Tuning Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters for Selective Electroreduction of CO ₂

Abstract

Abstract The electroreduction of greenhouse gas CO 2 into high‐value‐added chemicals using renewable electricity is a promising way to mitigate climate change and realize carbon cycling. Atomically precise thiolate‐protected gold nanoclusters have shown great potential for selective electrochemical conversion of CO 2 toward CO due to their quantum confinement effect and unique electronic structures. Additionally, the atomic precision of gold nanocluster is advantageous for investigating the CO 2 reduction mechanism, which is typically challenging to understand due to the complexity of the catalytic interface, and unknown structure of the active site in more conventional catalysts. By summarizing CO 2 reduction catalyzed by gold nanoclusters, we aim to identify key factors that contribute to the activity, selectivity, and stability of nanocluster catalysts, as well as elucidate the CO₂ reduction pathway, thereby contributing to the design of more active and selective nanocluster catalysts for CO 2 reduction.