Patent ID: 8858777
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: C25B

Abstract:
1. A method for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into products, comprising: (A) introducing an acidic anolyte to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell, the first compartment including an anode; (B) introducing an alkali metal bicarbonate-based catholyte saturated with carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell, the second compartment including a high surface area cathode, the high surface area cathode including a conductive base electrode structure and at least two electrocatalysts on the conductive base electrode structure, a first electrocatalyst of the at least two electrocatalysts including a metal, the first electrocatalyst is a layer covering the conductive base electrode structure, a second electrocatalyst of the at least two electrocatalysts is another layer on the first electrocatalyst, the high surface area cathode having a void volume of between about 30% to 98%, at least a portion of the alkali metal bicarbonate-based catholyte being recycled; and (C) applying an electrical potential between the anode and the high surface area cathode sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least one of a single-carbon based product or a multi-carbon based product.