Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 and CH4 at Subzero Temperatures

By taking advantage of the high solubility of CO2 and CH4 at low temperature, we report the electrochemical conversion of these gases in aqueous media down to -40 degrees C. The 5-fold increase in the concentration of CH4 in gas hydrate slurries makes its electrochemical oxidation feasible at temperatures below the freezing point of water. We also report the electrochemical conversion of CO2 at low temperatures and demonstrate, unexpectedly, that its reduction in these conditions follows an anti-Arrhenius kinetics electrochemical environment. These findings open windows of investigation into electrocatalysis in brines below the freezing point of water.