Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A Flowing Electrolyte Interlayer (FEI) electrolyzer is demonstrated for CO 2 reduction. The 3-layer cell includes an anion-exchange membrane, a cation-exchange membrane, and a flowing interlayer that serves as a product-collection stream. The new cell was evaluated using copper-based electrocatalysts, including CuSn 0.03 , CuSn 4 , and Cu 2 Se, for the selective production of ethanol and direct recovery of free acid (formic acid or acetic acid). Analyses, including operando ED-XRD and XAS, confirm structural stability of cell components. The FEI electrolyzer retained up to 63% ethanol Faradaic efficiency while enabling direct recovery of liquid products and suppressing anode crossover to below 2%, a more than 40-fold reduction compared with conventional MEA systems. Channel geometry and flow experiments revealed that product removal is limited at relatively low flow velocities and may be diluted at higher velocities. An optimal interlayer channel configuration was shown to deliver up to 9 weight percent ethanol for over 60 h.
Institutions: Louisiana State University, University of Delaware
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
Awards: G102163711, G107546177, G1229526393, G1286251239, G1313983767, G1664757510, G2287611682, G2371548206, G262532246, G262962599, G303061748, G3075337988, G4235786860, RII Track-2 FEC: Fundamental Insights into the Durability and Efficiencies of CO2 Electrolyzers, G426311843, G4269941704, G4654690619, G495301720, G498139845, G513797252, G5387317844, G5570207115, G618388848, G6550344761, G6848031779, G6918803902, G7283024673, G7583137537, G8382000481, G911061179, G969889393, G993149817
OpenAlex ID: W7203707568
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