Reduction of carbon dioxide to carboxylic acids, glycols, and carboxylates

摘要

Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carboxylic acids, glycols, and carboxylates are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to a carboxylic acid intermediate. Step (D) may contact the carboxylic acid intermediate with hydrogen to produce a reaction product.