Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to high value chemicals using gas-diffusion electrodes

The synthesis of value-added chemicals from the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is attractive from the perspectives of both sustainable manufacturing and environmental protection. In this review article, we first discussed the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction, relevant figures-of-merit, and configurations for electrolyzers and gas diffusion electrodes. We then summarized important developments towards the scaled-up synthesis of commercially valuable carbon monoxide, formic acid, hydrocarbons and alcohols. Among all these developments, electrolyzers for generating carbon monoxide and formic acid appear to be approaching close to practical realization in the industry. In contrast, electrolyzers for producing hydrocarbons and alcohols need to be further improved. Finally, directions for future research are suggested.