An electrolysis-cell design for simultaneous electrochemical reduction of CO2 and H2O to make syngas (CO+H2) 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 CO2 reduction, a modified configuration based on the insertion of a pH-buffer layer (aqueous KHCO3) between the silver-based cathode catalyst layer and the Nafion membrane allows for a great enhancement of the cathode selectivity for CO2 reduction to CO [ca. 30 mA/cm2 at a potential of -1.7 to 1.75 V vs SCE (saturated-calomel reference electrode)]. A CO/H2 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/cm2 . 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.
BT - Journal of Electrochemical Society DA - 11/2007 DO - 10.1149/1.2801871 LA - eng N2 -An electrolysis-cell design for simultaneous electrochemical reduction of CO2 and H2O to make syngas (CO+H2) 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 CO2 reduction, a modified configuration based on the insertion of a pH-buffer layer (aqueous KHCO3) between the silver-based cathode catalyst layer and the Nafion membrane allows for a great enhancement of the cathode selectivity for CO2 reduction to CO [ca. 30 mA/cm2 at a potential of -1.7 to 1.75 V vs SCE (saturated-calomel reference electrode)]. A CO/H2 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/cm2 . 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.
PY - 2008 SP - B42 EP - B49 T2 - Journal of Electrochemical Society TI - Design of an Electrochemical Cell Making Syngas  (CO + H2)  from CO2 and H2O Reduction at Room Temperature VL - 155 ER -