Work

Electrochemical Synthesis of Methanol from CO 2 in High‐Pressure Electrolyte

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: We synthesized from and on a copper cathode in the high‐pressure system. Methanol was the only product of reduction detected in the electrolytic solution, with a maximum current efficiency for methanol production of 40% at a current density of 9 mA/cm 2 and potential of −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 pressure up to approximately 60 atm. When the applied potential is more negative than about −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 pressure.

Source: Journal of The Electrochemical Society

DOI: 10.1149/1.1838179

Authors: Jianwei Li, Geoffrey Prentice

Institution: University of Detroit Mercy

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Foundation, Electric Power Research Institute