The most important methods for the electrochemical reduction of carbon
dioxide on flat metallic cathodes have been systematically summarized
using a novel classification approach. In contrast to the usual class
ification systems that were based solely on the products of electrolys
is, the electroreduction procedures have been grouped according to bot
h the nature of the cathode (sp or d group metal electrodes) and the s
olvent used for the supporting electrolyte (aqueous or nonaqueous solu
tions). The new classification system allows the identity of the elect
roreduction product to be better related to the nature of the metallic
electrode and the supporting electrolyte. Similar reduction products
are formed by each of the four possible combinations of electrodes and
supporting electrolytes (sp group metals in aqueous and nonaqueous el
ectrolytes, and d group metals in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes,
respectively). The discussion has included both synthetic aspects and
mechanistic considerations. Of special interest in this review is the
discussion of procedures for the selective preparation of formic acid
and for the manufacturing of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols using carbo
n dioxide as the carbon source.