Copper-based materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction to multi–carbon products

Electrochemical CO 2 reduction to multicarbon (C 2+ ) products offers a promising route to convert carbon emissions into value-added chemicals and fuels using renewable electricity. Among the various catalyst systems investigated, Cu-based materials remain the most effective due to their unique ability to promote C C coupling and generate diverse C 2+ products, including ethylene, ethanol, and acetate. However, achieving high selectivity, activity, and stability remains challenging due to the complex reaction network, competing hydrogen evolution, and the sensitivity of key intermediates to catalyst structure and local reaction environment. This review summarizes recent advances in Cu-based electrocatalysts for CO 2 -to-C 2+ conversion, with a particular focus on four classical catalyst design strategies: heterostructure construction, atomic configuration regulation, alloy engineering, and surface molecular modification. By highlighting their distinct mechanistic roles in tuning intermediate adsorption, C C coupling, and product pathways, this review provides a concise perspective on rational catalyst design for efficient multicarbon electrosynthesis.