Process and High Surface Area Electrodes for the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

摘要

Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to organic products including formate and formic acid are provided. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce an acidic anolyte to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce a bicarbonate-based catholyte saturated with carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a high surface area cathode including indium and having a void volume of between about 30% to 98%. At least a portion of the bicarbonate-based catholyte is recycled. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least one of a single-carbon based product or a multi-carbon based product.

主权项

1. A method for controlling pH in a cathode compartment of an electrochemical system having an acidic anolyte, comprising:
(A) introducing an acidic anolyte to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell, the first compartment including an anode; (B) introducing a catholyte saturated with carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell, the catholyte including one or more of an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate, an alkali metal sulfate, an alkali metal chloride, and mixtures thereof, the second compartment including a high surface area cathode, the high surface area cathode including an indium coating and having a void volume of between about 30% to 98%; (C) removing at least a portion of the catholyte from the second compartment; (D) recirculating the at least a portion of the catholyte back into the second compartment; and (E) controlling a pH of the second compartment by at least one of (i) introducing a fresh catholyte stream to at least one of the at least a portion of the catholyte or the second compartment; or (ii) introducing water to the second compartment.