A Dual-Functional Membrane for CO₂ Capture and Electrocatalytic Reduction

Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies are critical for limiting global temperature rise. CO₂ capture and utilization are traditionally performed as separate unit operations. Integrating them requires the use of dual-functional materials and offers a promising pathway to overcome energy demand and cost limitations. Herein, the fabrication of an electrocatalytic membrane (eCatMem) by laser-induced graphene processing of a gas-separating membrane is demonstrated, enabling CO₂ reduction to formate. The membrane exhibits CO₂/N₂ permselectivity of ≈20, ensuring comparable performance when operating with pure CO₂ or a 10% CO₂/N₂ gas mixture. The eCatMem achieves current densities of 10-50 mA cm^{- 2} with a Faradaic efficiency of ≈70% for formate production. This is the first of its kind demonstration of integrated membrane electrochemical reactive separation to form a liquid capture media that is also a product. This approach utilizes simple, low-cost materials and processes and offers a scalable way to integrate CO₂ capture and utilization.