Selective electrochemical conversion of CO2 to C-2 hydrocarbons

A novel approach for the conversion Of CO2 by an electrochemical process has been achieved using copper electrodes modified with electrodeposits. The presence of the electrodeposits changes the catalytic behaviour of the substrates, since a hydrocarbons mixture with higher energetic density per volume is achieved when compared with the fuel resulting from CO2 reduction without electrodeposits. In these electrodes, ethylene is selectively produced in detriment of methane. Additionally, the formation of a mixture Of C-2 hydrocarbons (C2H4 and C2H6) without C-1 hydrocarbons is successfully obtained on specific higher surface area electrodeposits. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the presence of the electrodeposits lead to steadiness of the CO2 reduction process, since it is established the stability of hydrocarbons production during 4 h. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.