Electrochemical reactors for the utilization of liquid-phase carbon species

Abstract

Electrochemical utilization of liquid-phase carbon species presents a promising approach to reducing CO2 emissions while generating value-added chemicals. By bypassing energy-intensive CO2 liberation steps, this method enables the direct integration of carbon capture and utilization. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of concentrated carbon capture solutions (>0.1 M) and seawater (∼2 mM) as feedstocks for electrochemical systems. Key developments in reaction mechanisms, catalyst design, reactor configurations, and operational strategies are explored, with a focus on enhancing selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency. Critical challenges, including system integration, impurity management, fouling, and long-term operational stability, are thoroughly analyzed. By integrating insights from technology development, reaction mechanisms, materials science, and system engineering, this review provides a comprehensive overview of this emerging field. It also outlines pathways to advance scalable and sustainable liquid-phase carbon utilization, offering a roadmap for future research and practical implementation in global carbon management efforts.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical reactors for the utilization of liquid-phase carbon species

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Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
12 Mar 2025
Accepted
12 May 2025
First published
29 May 2025

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Advance Article

Electrochemical reactors for the utilization of liquid-phase carbon species

J. Wang, P. Zhu, H. Qin, K. Zuo, H. Zhao and Z. B. Zhang, Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5EE01448D

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