A formaldehyde condensation pathway in CO2 electrolysis

Abstract

There is a broad consensus in the carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction community that the C–C bond coupling step typically involves the dimerization of *C(H)O intermediates on the catalyst surface. An alternative pathway is now reported, in which a formaldehyde-mediated condensation mechanism initiates C–C bond formation, thereby promoting the electro-conversion of CO2 to C3+ liquid products.