Premium
Efficient Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction Driven by Ionic Liquid Buffer‐Like Solutions
Author(s) -
Gonçalves Wellington D. G.,
Zanatta Marcileia,
Simon Nathalia M.,
Rutzen Luciane M.,
Walsh Darren A.,
Dupont Jairton
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201901076
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , ionic liquid , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , electrolyte , bicarbonate , faraday efficiency , aqueous solution , selectivity , ionic strength , buffer solution , electrode , electrochemistry , catalysis , organic chemistry
Abstract Electrocatalysis of CO 2 reduction in aqueous electrolytes containing the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐ n ‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium acetate ([BMMIm][OAc]) and DMSO proceeded at low overpotentials (−0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) at commercially‐available Au electrodes, with high selectivity for CO production (58 % faradaic efficiency at −1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl). 0.43 mol CO 2 per mol IL could be absorbed into the electrolyte at atmospheric pressure, forming bicarbonate and providing a constant supply of dissolved CO 2 to the surface of the electrode. Electrocatalysis of CO 2 reduction in the electrolyte was facilitated by stabilization of CO 2 radical anions by the imidazolium cations of the IL and buffer‐like effects with bicarbonate.