Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Using a Proton Exchange Membrane

Abstract

Electrochem. reduction of CO2 was widely studied by many scientists and researchers. Recently, the production of formic acid, which is expensive but highly useful liquid material, is receiving a great attention. However, difficulties in the electrochem. reduction process and analyzing methods impede the researches. Therefore, it is important to design an adequate system, develop the reduction process and establish the analyzing methods for CO2 reduction to formic acid. The production of formic acid through electrochem. reduction of CO2 was performed and concentration of the product was analyzed. Large scale batch cell with proton exchange membrane was used in the experiment The electrochem. experiment was performed using metal catalysts. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry were performed for CO2 reduction and electrochem. anal. using Ag chloride and Pt electrode as a reference electrode and counter electrode, resp. The concentration of formic acid generated from the reduction was monitored using HPLC. The results validate the appropriateness and effectiveness of the designed system and analyzing tool.