Upgrading CO₂ Into Fuels And Chemicals Via Electrocatalysis

School of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 138600 Singapore, Singapore

^* Corresponding author: e0973792@u.nus.edu

Abstract

Converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into useful chemicals through electrochemical reduction reactions (CO₂R) has received growing interest because it can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate valuable chemical products. This report discusses the CO₂ electrochemical reduction for carbon recycling and the production of valuable chemicals and fuels. It provides an overview of CO₂ reduction reaction and a diverse of different CO₂ conversion pathway. This research focuses on the mechanisms and catalytic materials used in CO₂ electrocatalysis, with a specific emphasis on copper as a unique catalyst. It also highlights the factors that influence CO₂ reduction, such as pH, presence of ions, temperature, pressure, electrode fouling, and catalyst deactivation. Furthermore, the economic and environmental aspects of CO₂ reduction are explored, including the potential market prices and the positive environmental impacts. The report concludes by addressing the challenges and difficulties faced in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, such as high activation energy, competing reactions, catalyst poisoning, and low current density. Overall, electrochemical CO₂ reduction holds significant potential for sustainable and eco-friendly chemical production.