Fig. 4: In situ SEIRAS spectrum and proposed reaction pathways of CO2 to each product.

a–d, HCOOad (a), HCOad (b), OCH3ad (c) and OC2H5ad (d) intermediates identified by in situ SEIRAS, related to the formaldehyde condensation reaction as a C–C coupling process. e, Proposed reaction pathways to various products, with colour coding for carbon chain length: C1 (purple/red), C2 (blue) C3 (green), C4 (orange).