If CO2 could be electrochemically reduced to fuels using solar power, a cleaner, carbon-neutral energy source could be realized. The reduction of formic acid to formaldehyde or methanol is likely a key step on the way from CO2 to liquid fuels, yet little research on this subject has  been carried out. In this work, over 15  metal electrodes including Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag,  Au, Sn, and Pb are tested for their formic acid reduction activities. Results  are compared on the basis of the potentials required to reduce formic acid, the  resulting current densities, and the Faradaic efficiencies of formaldehyde and methanol formation, as determined by  gas chromatography.

Electrochemical formic acid reduction at metal electrodes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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