Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene with high Faradaic efficiency at a Cu electrode in CsOH/methanol

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of CO2 with a Cu electrode in CsOH/methanol-based electrolyte was investigated. The main products from CO2 were methane, ethylene, ethane, carbon monoxide and formic acid. A maximum Faradaic efficiency of ethylene was 32.3% at −3.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl saturated KCl. The best methane formation efficiency was 8.3% at −4.0 V. The ethylene/methane current efficiency ratio was in the range 2.9–7.9. In the CsOH/methanol, the efficiency of hydrogen formation, being a competitive reaction against CO2 reduction, was depressed to below 23%.

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