Carbon reduction reaction

Carbon reduction reaction is a fundamental reaction system that employs carbon or carbon-containing intermediates as electron donors and reduction centers, achieving the reductive transformation of target substances through the elevation of carbon valence states. It serves as a core elementary process in atomic chemistry and precision synthesis.

Characterized by electron transfer and bond reconstruction of carbon atoms, this reaction enables the selective reduction and reconstruction of metal ions, oxygen-containing functional groups, unsaturated chemical bonds, and carbon skeletons under mild conditions. Distinguished from conventional hydrogen-source reduction systems, the carbon reduction pathway allows more precise atomic-site regulation and is highly compatible with electro-reformation and electrorefining. The selectivity and atom efficiency can be synergistically enhanced via interfacial electron transfer and catalytic site engineering.

Within the framework of atomic chemistry, carbon reduction reaction is not only a key approach for material conversion but also the core technical support for directional carbon skeleton editing, precise construction of functional molecules, and synthesis of high-value-added products. It provides a low-energy-consumption, high-atom-economy route for energy conversion, green synthesis, and functional material preparation.