Progress and Perspectives of Pulse Electrolysis for Stable Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Abstract

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction (ECR) to fuels and chemicals is a promising approach to address anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Over the past few years, ECR technology has advanced significantly, leading to the demonstration at both relatively large scale and with high efficiency. Specifically, both product selectivity and energy efficiency at high current densities are approaching the target for practical application. However, stability, a critical performance metric for ECR economics, is still far from the performance required for widespread application. In ECR, the cathode is most prone to degradation due to catalyst reconstruction, electrode flooding, salt formation, and impurity deposition. Pulse electrolysis has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate these degradation pathways and improve the stability of the ECR systems. In this review, we first discuss key ECR cathode degradation mechanisms. Next, we highlight the progress toward designing stable ECR systems using pulse electrolysis. We also assess the prospects and challenges of applying pulse electrolysis toward sustainable and industrial ECR applications.

PEM Electrolysis in a Stirred‐Tank Bioreactor Enables Autotrophic Growth of Clostridium ragsdalei with CO2 and Electrons

“…As commonly observed for CO 2 reduction, the initial current can be recovered by voltage pulses (herein not shown), to reduced polarization, which will be relevant later in the BES section. [16]…”

Review on CO2 Management: From CO2 Sources, Capture, and Conversion to Future Perspectives of Gas-Phase Electrochemical Conversion and Utilization

“…Overall, the limitation of CO 2 diffusion in liquid electrolyte systems, competition of HER, and carbonate deposition in such electrolytes have led to the development of solid electrolytes. They require the special design of cell and electrode systems, 266 which is termed GDE. traditional electrochemical cell consists of two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) or three electrodes (a cathode, an inert reference electrode, and a counter electrode) immersed in a solvent containing a salt with high dissociation constant (Figure 9a).…”

“…Overall, the limitation of CO 2 diffusion in liquid electrolyte systems, competition of HER, and carbonate deposition in such electrolytes have led to the development of solid electrolytes. They require the special design of cell and electrode systems, which is termed GDE.…”

Recent advances in dynamic reconstruction of electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction

“… 133 The benefits of pulsed electrolysis over conventional steady-state (potentiostatic/galvanostatic) electrolysis are mainly reflected in the control of the oxidate state of the catalysts and the local pH environment near the catalyst surface. 134 Generally, the application of a periodic oxidative potential to the electrolysis process can induce the reoxidation of the catalyst after the reductive pulse, thus triggering the dynamic reconstruction of the catalyst. Especially for oxidates, pulse electrolysis is also beneficial to the regeneration of the catalyst and improves the catalytic stability.…”