Coupling electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion with value-added anode processes: An emerging paradigm

Water oxidation (i.e., oxygen evolution) reaction is the most often used, green anodic pair of carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction, mimicking the natural photosynthetic process. At the same time, it requires high energy input and generates a product of little commercial value (i.e., oxygen). Finding appropriate alternative anode processes to be coupled with CO2 reduction is a major undertaking. Several factors need to be considered, such as (i) the value of the product, (ii) abundance and cost of the substrate, (iii) necessary cell voltage (energy input), (iv) needed catalysts, (v) cell structure and components, and (vi) ease/complexity of product analysis and separation. This opinion discusses all these aspects and outlines the main questions to be answered through future research activity.

Automated summary

Water oxidation reaction, commonly used in mimicking natural photosynthesis for CO2 electroreduction, requires high energy input and generates low-value product oxygen. Finding suitable alternative anode processes is crucial, considering factors like product value, substrate abundance, cell voltage, catalysts, cell structure, and ease of product analysis. Future research needs to address these main questions.