The origins of catalytic selectivity for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol

The electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into useful fuels and chemical feedstocks is an emerging route to alleviate global warming and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Methanol (CH₃OH), as one of the most significant and widely used liquid fuels that can be generated by CO₂ reduction, is essential in the chemical industry. In this minireview, we unravel the origins of the selective formation of CH₃OH via CO₂ reduction, including catalyst composition designs, local structure modulations, and electrolyte/catalyst interface regulations. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives for the CO₂-to-CH₃OH reduction are proposed.