Review on Long-Term Stability of Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising technology for converting waste CO2 into synthetic fuels and carbon-based chemicals using renewable electricity. Most efforts have been dedicated to improving the selectivity at high current densities bringing this process closer to commercial application. However, the long-term stability of the process has received considerably less attention. In this review, we present the progress made on long-term CO2 electrolysis to bring attention to the crucial piece of the puzzle. While Ag-based electrolyzers for CO production have met the desired durability requirements, this is not yet the case for other catalysts. Therefore, we also review the possible degradation pathways affecting both the catalyst material and the electrolyzer and address different strategies to mitigate them.