Here, the results of previous studi

Here, the results of previous studies based on transition-metal complex catalysts for CO 2 electroreduction are summarized. Early studies showed that transition-metal complexes of Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, with well-defined structures, are all capable of catalyzing CO 2 reduction to CO or formate. Derivatives of the complexes were surface attached to conducting electrodes by chemical bonding, noncovalent bonding, or polymerization. The concept of surface binding has also been extended to the preparation of surface area electrodes by the chemically controlled deposition of nanostructured catalysts such as nano tin, nano copper, and nano carbon, all of which have been shown to have high selectivities and activities toward CO 2 reduction. In our presentation, we end this Account with recent advances and a perspective about the application of electrocatalysis in carbon dioxide reduction.