Electrochemical synthesis of methanol from CO{sub 2} in high-pressure electrolyte
- Univ. of Detroit Mercy, MI (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
The authors synthesized CH{sub 3}OH from CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O on a copper cathode in the high-pressure CO{sub 2}-C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH-H{sub 2}O-LiCl system. Methanol was the only product of CO{sub 2} reduction detected in the electrolytic solution, with a maximum current efficiency for methanol production of 40% at a current density of 9 mA/cm{sup 2} and potential of {minus}1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This is the highest efficiency yet reported for methanol production at this current density. Current-potential curves shifted in the positive potential direction with increasing temperature and with increasing CO{sub 2} pressure up to approximately 60 atm. When the applied potential is more negative than about {minus}1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, the current density decreases dramatically with time. Electrolyte conductivity in this system increases with increasing temperature, increasing concentration of LiCl, and decreasing CO{sub 2} pressure.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 603753
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 144; ISSN JESOAN; ISSN 0013-4651
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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