How to go beyond C₁ products with electrochemical reduction of CO₂

Abstract

This review summaries recent development across electro-, photoelectro- and bioelectro-catalyst developments for multi-carbon products from CO2. It also explores the role of device design and operating conditions in enabling C–C bond generation.

Microbial electrosynthesis with Clostridium ljungdahlii benefits from hydrogen electron mediation and permits a greater variety of products

“…The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 (CO 2 RR) to formate is not possible at plain graphite electrodes as used here. 45–47…”

“…The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 (CO 2 RR) to formate is not possible at plain graphite electrodes as used here. [45][46][47] Furthermore, formate was not generated in abiotic electrochemical cell with the same carbon cathodes when 200 mM KCl was used as the electrolyte solution (Fig. S4 †).…”

Deep learning of electrochemical CO2 conversion literature reveals research trends and directions

“…Moreover, C1 products such as CO molecules are considered intermediate species for producing C2+ products. 51 In terms of electrical energy conversion efficiency, C1 products are more economical products because substantial energy costs are required for the reduction of carbon dioxide into high carbon products. 52 Fig.…”

Rational Design of Heterogeneous Dual-Atom Catalysts for CO2 Electroreduction Reactions

“…The various C 1 (CO, CH 4 , HCOOH, and CH 3 OH), C 2 (C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 5 OH, and CH 3 COOH), and C 2+ (C 3 H 8 and C 3 H 7 OH) products can be produced by controlling reaction conditions such as the type of electrocatalyst, applied voltage, and number of electrons involved in the process. , The structure, morphology, and composition of the electrocatalysts will affect the product selectivity . Production of C 2 and C 2+ products is challenging because a high number of electrons needs to be consumed, e.g., 12 per C 2 H 4 or C 2 H 5 OH product molecule . Overall, the electrochemical method possesses several advantages such as the recyclability of electrolytes, the possibility of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind), feasibility in the design of electrochemical cells, and applicability to scale-up using flow systems. , Electrochemical methodologies have also been introduced in the capture of CO 2 …”

“…4 Production of C 2 and C 2+ products is challenging because a high number of electrons needs to be consumed, e.g., 12 per C 2 H 4 or C 2 H 5 OH product molecule. 14 Overall, the electrochemical method possesses several advantages such as the recyclability of electrolytes, the possibility of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind), feasibility in the design of electrochemical cells, and applicability to scale-up using flow systems. 2,15 Electrochemical methodologies have also been introduced in the capture of CO 2 .…”