Mechanisms of catalytic electrochemical reactions of oxygen reduction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR)

The review covers the electrochemical reactions of oxygen reduction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) with a focus on mechanisms, structure of intermediates, and thermodynamics of reactions. The ORR on metal,heteroatom-codoped nanocarbon substrates as catalysts is a promising source of pure electrical energy. CO2RR, being a synthetic analogue of the photosynthesis reaction, has great potential for the generation of partial or complete reduction products. Theoretical insights into the mechanism and kinetics of CO2RR are just being developed, so the systematization of advances and emerging issues is a necessary step for further progress. The bibliography includes 242 references.