Origin of Hydrogen Incorporated into Ethylene during Electrochemical CO2 Reduction in Membrane Electrode Assembly

A catholyte-free membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has been proposed for practical application in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2) RR), and water management becomes critical in its catalyst-membrane interface. We investigate roles of the water supply within the MEA for ethylene production by utilizing deuterium-labeled water. The protons of ethylene originated mainly from the anolyte not the humidified water through the cathode, indicating that dominant water flux from the anolyte acts as a major proton supplier for the eCO(2)RR. Meanwhile, humidification of CO2 is still important in the Faradaic efficiency and current density because it affects the water activity at the catalyst junction, supported by multiphysics simulations. At low cell potentials, the eCO(2)RR dominates and is kinetically controlled, and the mass transport of CO2 and water limits its performance as the potential increases. This understanding of the water kinetics and transportation provides valuable insights into the design of active MEAs.

Automated summary

A catholyte-free MEA is proposed for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Water management is critical for its catalyst-membrane interface. The study finds that protons for ethylene mainly come from the anolyte, and humidification of CO2 affects the efficiency and current density. Mass transport of CO2 and water limits the performance of the MEA.