@article{25103,
  author = {Charles Delacourt and Paul L Ridgway and John B Kerr and John S Newman},
  title = {Design of an Electrochemical Cell Making Syngas  (CO + H<sub>2</sub>)  from CO<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O Reduction at Room Temperature},
  abstract = {<p>An electrolysis-cell design for simultaneous electrochemical reduction of CO<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O to make syngas (CO+H<sub>2</sub>) at room temperature (25C) was developed, based on a technology very close to that of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), i.e., based on the use of gas-diffusion electrodes so as to achieve high current densities. While a configuration involving a proton-exchange membrane (Nafion) as electrolyte was shown to be unfavorable for CO<sub>2</sub> reduction, a modified configuration based on the insertion of a pH-buffer layer (aqueous KHCO<sub>3</sub>) between the silver-based cathode catalyst layer and the Nafion membrane allows for a great enhancement of the cathode selectivity for CO<sub>2</sub> reduction to CO [ca. 30 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> at a potential of -1.7 to 1.75 V vs SCE (saturated-calomel reference electrode)]. A CO/H<sub>2</sub> ratio of 1/2, suitable for methanol synthesis, is obtained at a potential of ca. -2 V vs SCE and a total current density of ca. 80mA/cm<sup>2</sup> . An issue that has been identified is the change in product selectivity upon long-term electrolysis. Results obtained with two other cell designs are also presented and compared.</p>},
  year = {2008},
  journal = {Journal of Electrochemical Society},
  volume = {155},
  pages = {B42-B49},
  month = {11/2007},
  doi = {10.1149/1.2801871},
  language = {eng},
}