A bibliometric analysis of advances in electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction based on patents

This paper systematically reviews and analyzes publicly available patents related to electrochemical CO₂ reduction technology from 2008 to 2024. Global patent applications in this field have grown exponentially, with 87 applications in both 2023 and 2024. China has demonstrated a significant advantage in application technologies such as catalyst formulations and reactor structures. Patent-related fields primarily include catalyst/catalytic material preparation (55.5%), system/device inventions (14.9%), electrode material preparation (13%), reduction methods (16%), and a small number of ion-exchange membrane-related technologies. Catalysts have evolved from precious metals to copper-based, single-atom, and alloy catalysts, with performance optimized through various means. Systems and devices have focused on structural improvements, enhanced mass and heat transfer, and synergistic systems. Electrode materials have expanded into new structures such as gas diffusion electrodes, and reduction methods have integrated multimodal synergistic technologies. Research indicates that the preparation and study of catalytic materials will be the future mainstream trend in patents for this technology. Additionally, the challenges faced by the technology and its future development directions are discussed, providing references for promoting the development of electrochemical CO₂ reduction technology and intellectual property protection.