METHOD FOR OBTAINING FORMIC ACID BY CO<SB>2</SB> ELECTRO-REDUCTION IN AN APROTIC MEDIUM

摘要

The invention relates to a method for selectively obtaining formic acid by the direct electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a conducting aprotic medium. The reaction is carried out in a partitioned electrochemical cell separated by an ion-exchange membrane (i.e. cation) that isolates the anodic (oxidation) compartment from the cathode compartment in which the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formic acid occurs. The catholyte is a conducting aprotic medium containing, e.g., an aprotic solvent or an ionic liquid. The anolyte is a protic medium, preferably an aqueous acid solution.