CO2 reduction on metals

We have investigated the electrochemical reduction of CO2 under high pressure on various metal electrodes in aqueous electrolytes.[1-2] The effect of CO2 pressure on the electrochemical CO2 reduction on metal electrodes was studied. The CO2 reduction at large current density could be achieved on metal electrodes by the high pressure electrolyses due to high concentration of CO2 in the aqueous electrolyte. 

Studies are in progress to identify and quantify the products formed by the electrochemical reduction of CO2 on precious metal electrodes as well as on other electrodes such as Mo when nearly neutral electrolytes are used that minimize proton donor or acceptor reactions. A review of CO2 reduction on metal electrodes shows that CHi+ is produced on Ru and Cu (8, 9), CH3OH is a major product on Ru and Mo (6-8), carbon monoxide is formed on Ru, Pd, Pt, Co, Fe, Au, and Ag (7-9), HCOO is the main product on Cd, In, Sn, and Pb (, ), and a product more complex than formic acid is reported for Pt... 

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