Strategies for Bioelectrochemical CO2 Reduction

Atmospheric CO2 is a cheap and abundant source of carbon for synthetic applications. However, the stability of CO2 makes its conversion to other carbon compounds difficult and has prompted the extensive development of CO2 reduction catalysts. Bioelectrocatalysts are generally more selective, highly efficient, can operate under mild conditions, and use electricity as the sole reducing agent. Improving the communication between an electrode and a bioelectrocatalyst remains a significant area of development. Through the examples of CO2 reduction catalyzed by electroactive enzymes and whole cells, recent advancements in this area are compared and contrasted.