Boosting CH3OH Production in Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction over Partially Oxidized 5 nm Cobalt Nanoparticles Dispersed on Single-Layer Nitrogen-Doped Graphene

Recent advancements in carbon/metal-based nano-catalysts for the reduction of CO2 to value-added products

Due to the increased human activities in burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, the CO2 level in the atmosphere gets increased up to 415 ppm; although it is an essential component for plant growth, an increased level of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to global warming and catastrophic climate change. Various conventional methods are used to capture and utilize CO2, among that a feasible and eco-friendly technique for creating value-added products is the CO2RR. Photochemical, electrochemical, thermochemical, and biochemical approaches can be used to decrease the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. The introduction of nano-catalysts in the reduction process helps in the efficient conversion of CO2 with improved selectivity, increased efficiency, and also enhanced stability of the catalyst materials. Thus, in this mini-review of nano-catalysts, some of the products formed during the reduction process, like CH3OH, C2H5OH, CO, HCOOH, and CH4, are explained. Among different types of metal catalysts, carbonaceous, single-atom catalysts, and MOF based catalysts play a significant role in the CO2 RR process. The effects of the catalyst material on the surface area, composition, and structural alterations are covered in depth. To aid in the design and development of high-performance nano-catalysts for value-added products, the current state, difficulties, and future prospects are provided.

Anionic Coordination Control in Building Cu-Based Electrocatalytic Materials for CO2 Reduction Reaction

Renewable energy-driven conversion of CO2 to value-added fuels and chemicals via electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) technology is regarded as a promising strategy with substantial environmental and economic benefits to achieve carbon neutrality. Because of its sluggish kinetics and complex reaction paths, developing robust catalytic materials with exceptional selectivity to the targeted products is one of the core issues, especially for extensively concerned Cu-based materials. Manipulating Cu species by anionic coordination is identified as an effective way to improve electrocatalytic performance, in terms of modulating active sites and regulating structural reconstruction. This review elaborates on recent discoveries and progress of Cu-based CO2RR catalytic materials enhanced by anionic coordination control, regarding reaction paths, functional mechanisms, and roles of different non-metallic anions in catalysis. Finally, the review concludes with some personal insights and provides challenges and perspectives on the utilization of this strategy to build desirable electrocatalysts.

Nanostructured cobalt/copper catalysts for efficient electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

The search for an efficient and stable catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals is especially critical for lowering the atmospheric CO2 concentration. In this study, self-supported cobalt/copper nanostructured catalysts were designed, where the influences of the elemental composition and acid-etching on their efficiency towards the CO2 reduction reaction were studied. The developed Co/Cu catalysts showed superb catalytic activity with a low onset potential at -0.2 V vs. RHE. Gas and liquid product analysis revealed that formate and CO were the main products. It was observed that lower reductive potentials were favourable for formate production, while higher reductive potentials were more favourable for CO formation. In situ electrochemical FTIR studies were further conducted to gain insight into the CO2 reduction mechanism. The novel synthetic procedure reported in this study leads to promising electrocatalysts with high efficiencies for the conversion of CO2 into valuable products.

Ultrathin, Cationic Covalent Organic Nanosheets for Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction to Methanol

Metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines emerge as popular building blocks to develop covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, existing CONs predominantly yield CO, posing a challenge in achieving efficient methanol production through multielectron reduction. Here, ultrathin, cationic, and cobalt-phthalocyanine-based CONs (iminium-CONs) are reported for electrochemical CO2-to-CH3OH conversion. The integration of quaternary iminium groups enables the formation of ultrathin morphology with uniformly anchored cobalt active sites, which are pivotal for facilitating rapid multielectron transfer. Moreover, the cationic iminium-CONs exhibit a lower activity for hydrogen evolution side reaction. Consequently, iminium-CONs manifest significantly enhanced selectivity for methanol production, as evidenced by a remarkable 711% and 270% improvement in methanol partial current density (jCH3OH) compared to pristine CoTAPc and neutral imine-CONs, respectively. Under optimized conditions, iminium-CONs deliver a high jCH3OH of 91.7 mA cm-2 at -0.78 V in a flow cell. Further, iminium-CONs achieve a global methanol Faradaic efficiency (FECH3OH) of 54% in a tandem device. Thanks to the single-site feature, the methanol is produced without the concurrent generation of other liquid byproducts. This work underscores the potential of cationic covalent organic nanosheets as a compelling platform for electrochemical six-electron reduction of CO2 to methanol.

Al-Sehemi A, Alargarsamy S, Gajendran P, Ramachandran R. Development of Different Kinds of Electrocatalyst for the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Reactions: An Overview

Significant advancements have been made in the development of CO2 reduction processes for applications such as electrosynthesis, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Several materials have demonstrated great potential in achieving high activity and selectivity for the desired reduction products. Nevertheless, these advancements have primarily been limited to small-scale laboratory settings, and the considerable technical obstacles associated with large-scale CO2 reduction have not received sufficient attention. Many of the researchers have been faced with persistent challenges in the catalytic process, primarily stemming from the low Faraday efficiency, high overpotential, and low limiting current density observed in the production of the desired target product. The highlighted materials possess the capability to transform CO2 into various oxygenates, including ethanol, methanol, and formates, as well as hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane. A comprehensive summary of the recent research progress on these discussed types of electrocatalysts is provided, highlighting the detailed examination of their electrocatalytic activity enhancement strategies. This serves as a valuable reference for the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts with different orientations. This review encompasses the latest developments in catalyst materials and cell designs, presenting the leading materials utilized for the conversion of CO2 into various valuable products. Corresponding designs of cells and reactors are also included to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements in this field.

Bioconversion of C1 feedstocks for chemical production using Pichia pastoris

Bioconversion of C1 feedstocks for chemical production offers a promising solution to global challenges such as the energy and food crises and climate change. The methylotroph Pichia pastoris is an attractive host system for the production of both recombinant proteins and chemicals from methanol. Recent studies have also demonstrated its potential for utilizing CO2 through metabolic engineering or coupling with electrocatalysis. This review focuses on the bioconversion of C1 feedstocks for chemical production using P. pastoris. Herein the challenges and feasible strategies for chemical production in P. pastoris are discussed. The potential of P. pastoris to utilize other C1 feedstocks - including CO2 and formate - is highlighted, and new insights from the perspectives of synthetic biology and material science are proposed.

Cutting-Edge Electrocatalysts for CO2RR

A world-wide growing concern relates to the rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere that leads to devastating consequences for our environment. In addition to reducing emissions, one alternative strategy is the conversion of CO₂ (via the CO₂ Reduction Reaction, or CO₂RR) into added-value chemicals, such as CO, HCOOH, C₂H₅OH, CH₄, and more. Although this strategy is currently not economically feasible due to the high stability of the CO₂ molecule, significant progress has been made to optimize this electrochemical conversion, especially in terms of finding a performing catalyst. In fact, many noble and non-noble metal-based systems have been investigated but achieving CO₂ conversion with high faradaic efficiency (FE), high selectivity towards specific products (e.g., hydrocarbons), and maintaining long-term stability is still challenging. The situation is also aggravated by a concomitant hydrogen production reaction (HER), together with the cost and/or scarcity of some catalysts. This review aims to present, among the most recent studies, some of the best-performing catalysts for CO₂RR. By discussing the reasons behind their performances, and relating them to their composition and structural features, some key qualities for an "optimal catalyst" can be defined, which, in turn, will help render the conversion of CO₂ a practical, as well as economically feasible process.

Nanowire photochemical diodes for artificial photosynthesis

Artificial photosynthesis can provide a solution to our current energy needs by converting small molecules such as water or carbon dioxide into useful fuels. This can be accomplished using photochemical diodes, which interface two complementary light absorbers with suitable electrocatalysts. Nanowire semiconductors provide unique advantages in terms of light absorption and catalytic activity, yet great control is required to integrate them for overall fuel production. In this review, we journey across the progress in nanowire photoelectrochemistry (PEC) over the past two decades, revealing design principles to build these nanowire photochemical diodes. To this end, we discuss the latest progress in terms of nanowire photoelectrodes, focusing on the interplay between performance, photovoltage, electronic band structure, and catalysis. Emphasis is placed on the overall system integration and semiconductor-catalyst interface, which applies to inorganic, organic, or biologic catalysts. Last, we highlight further directions that may improve the scope of nanowire PEC systems.

Research Progress on Graphite-Derived Materials for Electrocatalysis in Energy Conversion and Storage

High-performance electrocatalysts are critical to support emerging electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. Graphite-derived materials, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, have been recognized as promising electrocatalysts and electrocatalyst supports for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Effective modification/functionalization of graphite-derived materials can promote higher electrocatalytic activity, stability, and durability. In this review, the mechanisms and evaluation parameters for the above-outlined electrochemical reactions are introduced first. Then, we emphasize the preparation methods for graphite-derived materials and modification strategies. We further highlight the importance of the structural changes of modified graphite-derived materials on electrocatalytic activity and stability. Finally, future directions and perspectives towards new and better graphite-derived materials are presented.

Biobased Kapok Fiber Nano-Structure for Energy and Environment Application: A Critical Review

The increasing degradation of fossil fuels has motivated the globe to turn to green energy solutions such as biofuel in order to minimize the entire reliance on fossil fuels. Green renewable resources have grown in popularity in recent years as a result of the advancement of environmental technology solutions. Kapok fiber is a sort of cellulosic fiber derived from kapok tree seeds (Ceiba pentandra). Kapok Fiber, as a bio-template, offers the best alternatives to provide clean and renewable energy sources. The unique structure, good conductivity, and excellent physical properties exhibited by kapok fiber nominate it as a highly favored cocatalyst for deriving solar energy processes. This review will explore the role and recent developments of KF in energy production, including hydrogen and CO₂ reduction. Moreover, this work summarized the potential of kapok fiber in environmental applications, including adsorption and degradation. The future contribution and concerns are highlighted in order to provide perspective on the future advancement of kapok fiber.

The integration of bio-catalysis and electrocatalysis to produce fuels and chemicals from carbon dioxide

The dependence on fossil fuels has caused excessive emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), leading to climate changes and global warming. Even though the expansion of electricity generation will enable a wider use of electric vehicles, biotechnology represents an attractive route for producing high-density liquid transportation fuels that can reduce GHG emissions from jets, long-haul trucks and ships. Furthermore, to achieve immediate alleviation of the current environmental situation, besides reducing carbon footprint it is urgent to develop technologies that transform atmospheric CO₂ into fossil fuel replacements. The integration of bio-catalysis and electrocatalysis (bio-electrocatalysis) provides such a promising avenue to convert CO₂ into fuels and chemicals with high-chain lengths. Following an overview of different mechanisms that can be used for CO₂ fixation, we will discuss crucial factors for electrocatalysis with a special highlight on the improvement of electron-transfer kinetics, multi-dimensional electrocatalysts and their hybrids, electrolyser configurations, and the integration of electrocatalysis and bio-catalysis. Finally, we prospect key advantages and challenges of bio-electrocatalysis, and end with a discussion of future research directions.

Anchoring Ionic Liquid in Copper Electrocatalyst for Improving CO2 Conversion to Ethylene

Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to valuable fuels is appealing for CO₂ fixation and energy storage. The Cu-based catalysts feature unique superiorities, but achieving high ethylene selectivity is still restricted. In this study, we propose the anchoring of an ionic liquid (IL) on a Cu electrocatalyst for improving the electrochemical CO₂ reduction to ethylene. In a water-based electrolyte and a commonly used H-type cell, a high ethylene Faradaic efficiency of 77.3 % was achieved at -1.49 V (vs. RHE). Experimental and theoretical studies reveal that an IL can modify the electronic structure of a Cu catalyst through its interaction with Cu, making it more conducive to *CO dimerization for ethylene formation.

3D carbonized wood-based integrated electrochemical immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of procalcitonin antigen

This work presents a novel 3D carbonized wood-based integrated electrochemical immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of procalcitonin (PCT) antigen at picogram level, achieving a wide linear detection range for PCT concentrations range from 0.05 to 90 pg mL^-1 with a low detection limit of 0.014 pg mL^-1 (S/N = 3), outperforming the previous reports. 3D carbonized wood as a new immunosensor matrix is used for electrochemical PCT biosensing, improving the stability of electrode and overcoming the disadvantages of traditional glassy carbon electrode (GCE). It obtained an excellent detection result, due to it has abundant mutual crisscross microchannels that promote the reactants and electrons transfer, greatly amplify the current signal. This novel sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor is composed of 3D carbonized wood, carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotube (cMWCNT), Au@Co₃O₄ core-shell nanosphere and Au/single layer nitrogen-doped graphene (Au/SL-NG), when it is applied for PCT detection in real clinical samples, it exhibits high accuracy same as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Boosting sensitive and selective detection toward Pb(II) via activation effect of Co and orbital coupling between Pb and O over Co@Co3O4 nanocatalyst

Fruitful achievements on electrochemical detection toward Pb(II) have been achieved, and their good performance is generally attributed to the adsorption property of nanomaterials. However, the design of sensing interfaces from the electronic structure and electron transfer process is limited. Here, Co@Co₃O₄ acquired an ultra-high detection sensitivity of 103.11 µA µM^-1 toward Pb(II), outperforming the results previously reported. The interfacial oxygen atoms build an electron bridge for Co activating Co₃O₄. Particularly, new energy levels of oxygen atoms were generated and matched with that of Pb(II). The strong orbital coupling effect between O and Pb makes the Co@Co₃O₄ sensitive and selective toward Pb(II). Compared with Co metal and Co₃O₄, Pb(II) got more electrons from Co@Co₃O₄, and longer Pb-O bonds were formed, allowing more Pb(II) to be catalyzed and reduced. Also, the superior stability and reproducibility of electrochemical detection make electrodes practicably. This work reveals that metals can stimulate intrinsically catalytic activity of their metal oxides, with the generation of orbit energy levels that match to a specific analyte. It provides a promising strategy for constructing sensitive and selective sensing interfaces toward ultra-low concentration analyte in body fluid and other complex samples.

Electrochemical Reduction of CO2: A Review of Cobalt Based Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Fuels

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) provides a promising approach to curbing harmful emissions contributing to global warming. However, several challenges hinder the commercialization of this technology, including high overpotentials, electrode instability, and low Faradic efficiencies of desirable products. Several materials have been developed to overcome these challenges. This mini-review discusses the recent performance of various cobalt (Co) electrocatalysts, including Co-single atom, Co-multi metals, Co-complexes, Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), Co-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs), Co-nitrides, and Co-oxides. These materials are reviewed with respect to their stability of facilitating CO2 conversion to valuable products, and a summary of the current literature is highlighted, along with future perspectives for the development of efficient CO2RR.

Electrochemical Generation of Hydrogen and Methanol using ITO Sheet Decorated with Modified-Titania as Electrode

Current issues of global warming and environmental pollution due to extensive use of fossil fuels has been reached to an alarming position. Being CO2 as main byproduct of fossil fuel consumption and water as abundantly available on earth surface has great potential to replace fossil fuels as energy source. Herein, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with water for methanol and hydrogen gas (H2) production over ITO sheet decorated with modified-Titanium nanorods (TiO2 NR), has been investigated. The performance comparison of electrocatalytic activity of hydrothermally modified-titania with commercial TiO2 microparticles (MP) were further investigated. Electrochemical reactor containing KHCO3 aqueous solution with CO2 as an electrolyte and modified TiO2 nanorods (NR) as working electrodes offer an eco-friendly system to produce clean and sustainable energy system. The typical rates of product, i.e. methanol and H2 generation from the ITO sheet decorated with modified TiO2 NR layer recorded higher than those for the ITO sheet with commercial TiO2 microparticle. At 2.0V applied potential vs Ag/AgCl as reference electrode, the modified TiO2 NR electrocatalyst yielded methanol at a rate of 3.32 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 at a rate of 6 µmol.cm−2.L−1 which was higher than that of commercial TiO2 MP electrocatalyst (methanol = 1.5 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 = 3.7 µmol.cm−2.L−1). The enhancement in product yields of methanol and H2 was mainly due to the notable improvements and modification in texture of TiO2 working electrode interface. Hence, it is concluded that the modified TiO2 NR can be considered as a competent candidate for sustainable energy conversion applications. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). 

Highlights and challenges in the selective reduction of carbon dioxide to methanol

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the iconic greenhouse gas and the major factor driving present global climate change, incentivizing its capture and recycling into valuable products and fuels. The 6H⁺/6e^- reduction of CO₂ affords CH₃OH, a key compound that is a fuel and a platform molecule. In this Review, we compare different routes for CO₂ reduction to CH₃OH, namely, heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation, as well as enzymatic catalysis, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. We describe the leading catalysts and the conditions under which they operate, and then consider their advantages and drawbacks in terms of selectivity, productivity, stability, operating conditions, cost and technical readiness. At present, heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysis and electrocatalysis have the greatest promise for large-scale CO₂ reduction to CH₃OH. The availability and price of sustainable electricity appear to be essential prerequisites for efficient CH₃OH synthesis.

Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide on Graphene-Based Catalysts

The current environmental situation requires taking actions regarding processes for energy production, thus promoting renewable energies, which must be complemented with the development of routes to reduce pollution, such as the capture and storage of CO₂. Graphene materials have been chosen for their unique properties to be used either as electrocatalyst or as catalyst support (mainly for non-noble metals) that develop adequate efficiencies for this reaction. This review focuses on comparing experimental and theoretical results of the electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide (ECO₂RR) described in the scientific literature to establish a correlation between them. This work aims to establish the state of the art on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide on graphene-based catalysts.

Nanostructured Cobalt-Based Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂ RR) provides a promising strategy for sustainable carbon fixation by converting CO₂ into value-added fuels and chemicals. In recent years, considerable efforts are focused on the development of transition-metal (TM)-based catalysts for the selectively electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (ECO₂ RR). Co-based catalysts emerge as one of the most promising electrocatalysts with high Faradaic efficiency, current density, and low overpotential, exhibiting excellent catalytic performance toward ECO₂ RR for CO and HCOOH productions that are economically viable. The intrinsic contribution of Co and the synergistic effects in Co-hybrid catalysts play essential roles for future commercial productions by ECO₂ RR. This review summarizes the rational design of Co-based catalysts for ECO₂ RR, including molecular, single-metal-site, and oxide-derived catalysts, along with the nanostructure engineering techniques to highlight the distribution of the ECO₂ RR products by Co-based catalysts. The density functional theory (DFT) simulations and advanced in situ characterizations contribute to interpreting the synergies between Co and other materials for the enhanced product selectivity and catalytic activity. Challenges and outlook concerning the catalyst design and reaction mechanism, including the upgrading of reaction systems of Co-based catalysts for ECO₂ RR, are also discussed.

Highly selective and active Cu-In2O3/C nanocomposite for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO

The Cu-In₂O₃/C nanocomposite was prepared by a simple solid-phase reduction method. The introduction of In₂O₃ into Cu/C to form the Cu-In₂O₃/C nanocomposite evidently enhances the electrocatalytic activity for the selective reduction of CO₂ to CO. Specifically, the Cu-In₂O₃/C nanocomposite exhibits higher Faraday efficiency (FE = 86.7%) at -0.48 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to CO and larger current densities (55 mA cm^-2) under a low overpotential (-1.08 V vs. RHE). These indicate its superior performance over many of the reported Cu-based catalysts [1-4]. It was also found that by rationally adjusting the applied potential, tunable syngas can be formed, which can be used to synthesize formic acid, methyl ether, methanol, synthetic fuels, or other bulk chemicals through appropriate industrial processes. Furthermore, the Cu-In₂O₃/C nanocomposite maintains good stability in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂. This work demonstrates a novel strategy to convert CO₂ into desired products with high energy efficiency and large current density under low overpotential by the rational designing of non-precious metal catalysts.

Ru/g-C3N4 as an efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of aromatic diamines to alicyclic diamines

A series of Ru/g-C3N4 materials with highly dispersed Ru were firstly prepared by an ultrasonic impregnation method using carbon nitride as a support. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques including BET and elemental analysis, ICP-AES, XPS, XRD, CO2-TPD and TEM. The results demonstrated that Ru/g-C3N4 materials with a mesoporous structure and highly dispersed Ru were successfully prepared. The chemo-selective hydrogenation of p-phenylenediamine (PPDA) to 1,4-cyclohexanediamine (CHDA) over Ru/g-C3N4 as a model reaction was investigated in detail. PPDA conversion of 100% with a CHDA selectivity of more than 86% could be achieved under mild conditions. It can be inferred that the carbon nitride support possessed abundant basic sites and the Ru/g-C3N4-T catalysts provided suitable basicity for the aromatic ring hydrogenation. Compared to the N-free Ru/C catalyst, the involvement of nitrogen species in Ru/g-C3N4 remarkably improved the catalytic performance. In addition, the recyclability of the catalyst demonstrated that the aggregation of Ru nanoparticles was responsible for the decrease of the catalytic activity. Furthermore, this strategy also could be expanded to the selective hydrogenation of other aromatic diamines to alicyclic diamines.

Ni and Zn/ZnO Synergistically Catalyzed Reduction of Bicarbonate into Formate with Water Splitting

Conversion of CO₂ into value-added chemicals with a facile hydrogen source such as water is always of great interest for sustainable development. In this work, a simple and efficient method of reduction of bicarbonate to formate on a simple Ni powder catalyst with water as the facile hydrogen source and Zn as the regenerable reductant is proposed. The Ni catalyst and in situ formed Zn/ZnO exhibited a synergetic catalytic activity in the conversion of bicarbonate into formate, and a good formate yield of 81% was obtained. Detailed studies revealed that the synergetic catalytic activity between Ni and the in situ formed Zn/ZnO was mainly attributed to (i) the inhibited oxidation of Zn by Ni, leading to more interface of Zn/ZnO; (ii) the decreased growth of ZnO crystal along the [0001] direction, and thus increasing the more polar (0001) Zn face and the (0001̅) O face, which have high activity; and (iii) the enhanced generation of more oxygen vacancies at the Zn/ZnO interface to promote the formate yield. This research demonstrates an efficient method of using a simple and nonprecious metal catalyst for the CO₂ reduction into value-added chemicals and provides a better understanding of the synergistic catalytic mechanism of Ni and Zn/ZnO.

Boron Phosphide Nanoparticles: A Nonmetal Catalyst for High-Selectivity Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CH3 OH

Electrocatalysis has emerged as an attractive way for artificial CO₂ fixation to CH₃ OH, but the design and development of metal-free electrocatalyst for highly selective CH₃ OH formation still remains a key challenge. Here, it is demonstrated that boron phosphide nanoparticles perform highly efficiently as a nonmetal electrocatalyst toward electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CH₃ OH with high selectivity. In 0.1 m KHCO₃ , this catalyst achieves a high Faradaic efficiency of 92.0% for CH₃ OH at -0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory calculations reveal that B and P synergistically promote the binding and activation of CO₂ , and the rate-determining step for the CO₂ reduction reaction is dominated by *CO + *OH to *CO + *H₂ O process with free energy change of 1.36 eV. In addition, CO and CH₂ O products are difficultly generated on BP (111) surface, which is responsible for the high activity and selectivity of the CO₂ -to-CH₃ OH conversion process.