High faradaic efficiencies can be achieved in the production of formic acid (HCOOH) by metal electrodes, such as Sn or Pb, in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO ). However, the stability and environmental load in using them are problematic. The electrochemical reduction of CO to HCOOH was investigated in a flow cell using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. BDD electrodes have superior electrochemical properties to metal electrodes, and, moreover, are highly durable. The faradaic efficiency for the production of HCOOH was as high as 94.7 %. Furthermore, the selectivity for the production of HCOOH was more than 99 %. The rate of the production was increased to 473 μmol m s at a current density of 15 mA cm with a faradaic efficiency of 61 %. The faradaic efficiency and the production rate are almost the same as or larger than those achieved using Sn and Pb electrodes. Furthermore, the stability of the BDD electrodes was confirmed by 24 h operation.

High faradaic efficiencies can be achieved in the production of formic acid (HCOOH) by metal electrodes,such as Sn or Pb,inthe electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). However,the stability and environmental load in using them are problematic. The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to HCOOH was investigated in af lowc ell using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes.B DD electrodes have superior electrochemical properties to metal electrodes,a nd, moreover, are highly durable.T he faradaic efficiency for the production of HCOOH was as high as 94.7 %. Furthermore,the selectivity for the production of HCOOH was more than 99 %. The rate of the production was increased to 473 mmol m À2 s À1 at acurrent density of 15 mA cm À2 with afaradaic efficiency of 61 %. The faradaic efficiency and the production rate are almost the same as or larger than those achieved using Sn and Pb electrodes. Furthermore,t he stability of the BDD electrodes was confirmed by 24 hoperation.