Process Design Strategies for Sustainable CO₂ Electrolysis: A Case Study of CO₂ Electrolysis Paired With the Cl₂...

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction offers a promising route to decarbonize the chemical industry by coupling renewable electricity with carbon utilization. Recent progress has achieved industrially relevant activities and selectivities, yet large-scale deployment remains hindered by challenges beyond catalyst development. System-level factors-including anodic-cathodic product pairing, reactor architectures defined by membrane choice, and electrolyte regulation-critically determine efficiency, stability, and economic viability. In this Concept, we highlight these interrelated aspects and use an automated coelectrolysis strategy that integrates CO₂ electrolysis to formate with chlorine evolution as an illustrative case. This approach underscores the importance of pairing product design with reactor engineering and electrolyte management. Together, these principles provide a framework for bridging laboratory demonstrations with sustainable and economically viable implementation of CO₂ electrolysis at scale.