Catalysts for Li-CO2 Batteries: From Heterogeneous to Homogeneous

Li-CO2 batteries attract extensive attention owing to their high energy density, fixation and utilization of CO2. However, the practical application of Li-CO2 batteries is greatly limited by the inferior electrochemical performance. The development of highly efficient electrocatalysts is the key to improve the performance of Li-CO2 batteries. This minireview focuses on both heterogeneous and homogeneous electrocatalysts for Li-CO2 batteries, which are introduced from the aspects of characteristics, mechanisms and design principles. Compared with heterogeneous catalysts, homogeneous catalysts can simplify the reaction interface, promoting the reaction kinetics and consequently resulting in the high electrochemical performance of Li-CO2 batteries. Finally, the issues of Li-CO2 batteries need to be addressed are outlined and corresponding perspectives of Li-CO2 batteries are also prospected.