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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
10:57
Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
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Direct Electroreduction of Carbonate to Formate
Haibin Ma1, Enric Ibáñez-Alé2,3, Ramesha Ganganahalli4
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|November 4, 2023
Summary
Carbonate intermediates, previously thought inert, can be reduced to formate during electrochemical CO2 reduction on copper electrodes. This discovery offers a new route to convert carbonates into valuable products like formate.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) efficiencies are often limited by carbonate formation.
- Carbonates are typically considered electrochemically inert species in eCO2RR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrochemical behavior of carbonate intermediates during eCO2RR.
- To explore the direct reduction of adsorbed carbonates to formate on copper electrodes.
- To elucidate the mechanism and active sites involved in carbonate reduction.
Main Methods:
- In situ Raman spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, and NMR spectroscopy.
- 13C and deuterium isotope labeling studies.
- Density functional theory (DFT) simulations and pulse electrolysis.
Main Results:
- Carbonate intermediates were observed adsorbed on copper electrodes during eCO2RR.
- These adsorbed carbonates can be reduced to formate at potentials more negative than -0.4 V.
- Direct reduction of carbonate anions to formate was achieved with 61% Faradaic efficiency using pulse electrolysis.
Conclusions:
- Carbonates are not inert and can be electrochemically reduced to formate on copper.
- This study reveals a direct pathway for converting carbonates into valuable formate.
- Findings provide strategies to mitigate carbonate formation and enhance eCO2RR product selectivity.
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