Methane Production via Al4C3 Electrodeposition from CO2 at an Al Electrode/NaCl-CaCl2 Melt Interface
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study proposes a new process for methane production from CO2 and H2O via Al4C3 formation by electrochemical reduction of CO2-derived CO3 2− ions on an Al electrode in NaCl-CaCl2-CaO melt at 873 K. The electrodeposited Al4C3 can generate methane through a spontaneous chemical reaction with water. The proposed process was demonstrated by electrochemical measurements, X-ray diffraction, thermodynamic evaluation, and quantitative analysis of the gas generated by the reaction between the Al4C3 and water. The effects of applied potential, electrolytic time, and additives into the melt on the current efficiency of methane were investigated. It was found that methane was obtained with a maximum current efficiency of 63 ± 2.5% when potentiostatic electrolysis was performed at 0.45 V for 5 min in the melt containing 6.0 mol% Al4C3 under CO2 atmosphere, although that was less than 10% in the system without Al4C3. The addition of Al4C3 before electrolysis prevented the dissolution of the electrodeposited Al4C3 into the melt. Based on the results, the formation mechanism of Al4C3 on the Al electrode is discussed. The novel process of methane synthesis doesn’t need reducing agents, such as hydrogen. It is also possible to obtain CO2-derived methane when needed by storing methane sources as solid Al4C3.
Authors: Hijiri Fukuhara, Yuta Suzuki, Seiya Tanaka, Takuya Goto
Language: English
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
OpenAlex ID: W4407163876