Coupling Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction With Ethanol Oxidation for Acetate Production in a Dual-Electrolyzer System

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Bioethanol production releases CO2, reducing its environmental benefits.
• Utilizing CO2 in electrochemical processes can achieve a negative carbon balance.
• Acetate production from CO2 and ethanol is a key goal for sustainable chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient electrochemical system for CO2 utilization.
• To couple CO2 reduction with ethanol oxidation for valuable product synthesis.
• To achieve a CO2-negative carbon balance in bioethanol production.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical reduction of CO2 coupled with ethanol oxidation.
• Development and application of nickel foam-supported cobalt selenium catalysts.
• Utilizing a defect-Cu-triazole catalyst in a tandem cell system.

Main Results:

• Achieved nearly 96% Faradaic efficiency for acetate production from ethanol oxidation.
• Demonstrated a high production rate of 95.2 µmol cm⁻² min⁻¹ at 1 A cm⁻².
• Attained 99% FE for CO2 reduction to CO and 95% FE for ethanol oxidation to acetate in a coupled system.

Conclusions:

• The coupled electrochemical system effectively utilizes CO2 and ethanol.
• This approach offers a pathway towards CO2-negative bioethanol and acetate production.
• The proof-of-concept system shows potential for further development in sustainable chemical manufacturing.