ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF CARBON-DIOXIDE IN METHANOL AT LOW-TEMPERATURE

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in methanol has been investigated at low temperature. The electrolysis with a copper cathode and a platinum anode was performed in methanol catholyte containing benzalkonium chloride and in 0.1 M hydrogen carbonate or 80 mM benzalkonium chloride anolyte. By the electrochemical reduction in methanol catholyte at -2.2 v vs. sce, carbon monoxide, methane and ethylene with 31.8, 18.9 and 16.9% of Faradaic efficiency, respectively, were produced from carbon dioxide at 0-degrees-C. At -15-degrees-C, 24.0% carbon monoxide, 39.1% methane and 4.4% ethylene were obtained. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the Faradaic efficiency of hydrocarbons such as methane and ethylene were better than that obtained in aqueous catholyte.