Understanding Selectivity for the Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid and Carbon Monoxide on Metal Electrodes

Increases in energy demand and in chemical production, together with the rise in CO2 levels in the atmosphere, motivate the development of renewable energy sources. Electrochemical CO2 reduction to fuels and chemicals is an appealing alternative to traditional pathways to fuels and chemicals due to its intrinsic ability to couple to solar and wind energy sources. Formate (HCOO–) is a key chemical for many industries; however, greater understanding is needed regarding the mechanism and key intermediates for HCOO– production. This work reports a joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to HCOO– on polycrystalline Sn surfaces, which have been identified as promising…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: CAREER, 1066515
• SU
  Stanford University
• MU
  Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative
• DO
  Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems

  Award: 1066515
• AF
  Air Force Office of Scientific Research

  Awards: FA9550-, FA9550-10-1-0572, FA9550