Coupling CO ₂ Reduction With Ethylene Glycol Oxidation on PdAg@NF L – A Compatibility Study of Paired Electrolysis

Electrochemical CO 2 reduction is a promising technology for captured carbon utilization, but its economic viability is limited by the oxygen produced at the anode. Replacing water oxidation with the oxidation of organic substrates can offset the CO 2 reduction costs. In particular, the selective oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) to glycolic acid (GA) can add value to the process. Here, we study the compatibility of the electrochemical ethylene glycol oxidation over palladium and CO 2 reduction. To do this, we synthesized a layered PdAg@NF L electrode by the electrodeposition method. Voltammetry experiments, optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of the layered electrode. Electrolysis runs at 10 mA/cm 2 geo anode studying {EGO} and {EGO‐CO 2 R} systems showed excellent selectivity toward glycolate (85–100% Faraday yield). Only trace amounts of oxalate and formate were observed in the anolyte of both systems. CO 2 reduction was performed using a 60% Au@Vulcan gas diffusion electrode. The cathodic products were CO, formic acid, and H 2 , with the latter being the majority product.