Transferring Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction from Semi-Batch into Continuous Operation Mode Using Gas Diffusion Electrodes

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ is a promising method for its conversion which still suffers from important challenges that have to be solved before industrial realization becomes attractive. The optimization of gas diffusion electrodes is described with respect to catalyst dispersion and mass transport limitations allowing solubility issues to be circumvented and current densities to be increased to industrially relevant values. The transfer of the promising results from semi-batch experiments into continuous mode of operation is demonstrated, and it is indicated how the energetic efficiency can be significantly improved by the choice of electrolyte, in terms of concentration and type. Thereby ohmic losses can be decreased and the intrinsic activity be improved.