Chapter 7. Electrocarboxylation in Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Four drivers have stimulated recent research into the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals: (1) The prospect of using gaseous CO2, a gas previously considered a useless waste product, as an economical and abundant source of carbon. (2) The urgent need for effective energy storage technology. (3) The versatility of electrochemical methods. (4) Concern about the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Within this thriving research field, one area that has received significant attention is the electrocarboxylation of organic compounds and which provides the focus of this review. Electrocarboxylation occurs when a reactive radical anion generated electrochemically from an organic substrate (or CO2) reacts with CO2 (or an organic substrate) to form a carboxylate. However, the high reactivity of the electrogenerated reactant means many factors can influence the reaction pathway, particularly the nature of the solvent and electrode. Special attention is given in this review to the use of ionic liquids in electrocarboxylation because these neoteric solvents provide promising alternatives to organic molecular solvents. Finally, some perspectives on potential industrial application of ionic liquids in electrocarboxylation are provided.

Catalysis for e-Chemistry: Need and Gaps for a Future De-Fossilized Chemical Production, with Focus on the Role of Complex (Direct) Syntheses by Electrocatalysis

“…Electrocarboxylation of olefins and diolefins (ethylene and butadiene, especially, both which can be produced from bioethanol) or of aromatics is another route of interest to build e -chemistry. , A variety of valuable intermediates could be produced by this method.…”