The future of low-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis depends on solving one basic problem

Carbonate formation is the primary source of energy and carbon losses in low-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis. Realigning research priorities to address the carbonate problem is essential if this technology is to become a viable option for renewable chemical and fuel production. Low-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis is an attractive process for sustainable fuel synthesis, but current systems suffer from low efficiency. In this comment, authors discuss the limitations arising from the reaction between carbon dioxide and hydroxide, highlighting the need for new research to address this fundamental problem.