Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to methane in aqueous NaHCO3 solution at less than 273 K

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 on a Cu electrode was investigated in aqueous NaHCO3 solution, at low temperature. A divided H-type cell was employed, the catholyte was 0.65 mol dm(-3) NaHCO3 aqueous solution and the anolyte was 1.1 mol dm(-3) KHCO3 aqueous solution. The temperature during the electrolysis of CO2 was decreased stepwise to 271 K. Methane and formic acid were obtained as the main products. The maximum Faradaic efficiency of methane was 46% at -2.0 V and 271 K. The efficiency of hydrogen formation, a competing reaction of CO2 reduction, was significantly depressed with decreasing temperature. Based on the results of this work, the proposed electrochemical method appears to be a viable means for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into more valuable chemicals. The synthesis of methane by the electrochemical method might be of practical interest for fuel production and the storage of solar energy. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.