Optimizing the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Formate: A State-of-the-Art Analysis

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate is an appealing carbon utilization method as it can be performed at room temperature and pressure, it only requires two electrons, and it has a high atom efficiency. This reaction has been known and studied for decades, but currently there is no commercial process practiced. This Perspective compares over 500 experimental data points from 65 scientific publications and patents and identifies the gas diffusion electrode as the best technology to scale this reaction. We further discuss the complex layers that make up a gas diffusion electrode and view what has been studied with respect to this reaction. Finally, we identify critical areas where more research can provide crucial understandings to allow this technology to become a commercial process.