Electrochemical production of syngas from CO2 captured in switchable polarity solvents

Abstract

An operational advantage that enables the deployment of technologies for the valorization of CO₂ can be achieved through the integration of the capture and conversion technologies. In that perspective, switchable polarity solvents (SPS) were assessed as re-usable capture-electrolyte media for the electrochemical production of syngas at low temperatures and pressures. A polymer electrolyte membrane cell was used to liberate captured CO₂ gas in proximity to the cathode without the addition of CO₂ gas. Due to the proximate location of release, the produced syngas had minimal CO₂ dilution with H₂ : CO ratios between 2 to 4. For the first time captured CO₂ has been reduced to CO with conversions and yields over 70% and at current densities over 100 mA cm⁻².