Electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction on nano silver cathode in ionic liquid BMIMBF4: Synthesis of dimethylcarbonate

Abstract

Nano silver particles deposited on conductive glass was prepared by cyclic voltammogram. This obtained electrode was used to catalyze electroreduction of carbon dioxide for synthesize dimethylcarbonate. Results show that the process of electrochemical reduction of CO2 on nano silver particles electrode in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumtetrafluoborate (BMIMBF4), is step by step, which is proved by two reduction peaks at -1.8 V and -2.2 V (vs. Ag). Under mild conditions, electrolyses experiments were carried out in an undivided cell at -1.8 V without any toxic solvents, catalysts and supporting electrolytes, yielding the dimethyl carbonate with yield of 83%. Moreover, no other product was found in liquid product.