Citation: Yucai Zhang, Jun Jiang. Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Ethylene[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(2): 190-196. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202503006 shu

Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Ethylene

Yucai Zhang ¹ ,
Jun Jiang ^2,3,,

1.
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, China;
2.
School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China;
3.
National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, China

Corresponding author: Jun Jiang, jiang123@ustc.edu.cn
Received Date: 3 March 2025
Revised Date: 25 March 2025

The increasingly severe “greenhouse effect” has made the resource utilization of carbon dioxide (CO₂) an urgent priority. Compared to other alternative approaches, electrochemical CO₂reduction to high-value-added fuels and chemicals powered by renewable electricity offers advantages such as mild operating conditions, environmental friendliness, and high efficiency. This review focuses on CO₂-to-ethylene conversion, as ethylene has the largest market demand among CO₂reduction products. We first provide a brief introduction to the fundamental reaction mechanisms. Next, we discuss advanced catalyst modification strategies and introduce four representative electrolyzers. We then summarize the current progress in CO₂-to-ethylene conversion and highlight the existing scientific and technological challenges. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on the industrial application prospects of CO₂-to-ethylene conversion.
- Electrocatalysis,
- CO₂ reduction,
- Ethylene
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