No abstract

Electrochemical CO2reduction in a reactor that can operate up to 100 bar and 80 °C, with a configuration similar to that of an alkaline electrolyser, for hydrogen production suitable to be used industrially is reported for the first time.

This work reviews the latest developments of cathodes for electrochemical CO 2 reduction, with carbon black, mesoporous carbons, carbon nanofibers, graphene, its derivatives and/or carbon nanotubes as constituents. Electrochemical CO 2 reduction into fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy is a technology that can contribute to climate change mitigation. Strategies used in this fast-evolving field are discussed, having in mind a commercial application. Electrochemical performance of several materials is analyzed, using in some cases the findings of theoretical computational studies, which show the enormous potential of these materials. Considerable challenges still lie ahead to bring this technology into industrial deployment. However, the significant progress achieved so far shows that further R&D efforts might pay off.C 2019, 5, 83 2 of 26 considering the findings of theoretical computational studies, are in some cases analyzed, when this type of study is available. Knowledge gaps and new promising R&D trends of nanocarbon-based materials development for this application are highlighted. Carbon BlackCarbon black is produced by the incomplete combustion of petroleum heavy fractions. It is a form of para-crystalline carbon of high surface area. Although activated carbon has a more favorable surface area to volume ratio (>1000 m 2 /g) than carbon black, its low electrical conductivity makes it unsuitable as electrode material. Commercial carbon blacks, such as Vulcan or Ketjen black have been most frequently used as support to ensure large electrochemical reaction surfaces and to reduce noble metal loading. Metal and Metal-Derived Particles Supported on Carbon BlackCO 2 ER can be carried out in gas phase, where gaseous CO 2 is fed to the cathode through gas diffusion electrodes (GDE), or in liquid phase, where CO 2 dissolved in the liquid electrolyte contacts the electrode. Figure 1 presents a schematic diagram of two possible configurations of both operation modes.C 2019, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 25 discussed, having in mind a commercial application. Electrochemical performances of several materials, considering the findings of theoretical computational studies, are in some cases analyzed, when this type of study is available. Knowledge gaps and new promising R&D trends of nanocarbonbased materials development for this application are highlighted. Carbon BlackCarbon black is produced by the incomplete combustion of petroleum heavy fractions. It is a form of para-crystalline carbon of high surface area. Although activated carbon has a more favorable surface area to volume ratio (>1000 m 2 /g) than carbon black, its low electrical conductivity makes it unsuitable as electrode material. Commercial carbon blacks, such as Vulcan or Ketjen black have been most frequently used as support to ensure large electrochemical reaction surfaces and to reduce noble metal loading. Metal and Metal-Derived Particles Supported on Carbon BlackCO2ER can be carried out in gas phase, where gaseous CO2 is fed to the cathode thro...

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been considered among one of the most promising materials under investigation for integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical reduction (ECR). In the design of an IL-based...