Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and dinitrogen to value-added products: a review

Electrochemical reduction of gaseous feeds such as CO 2 , CO, and N 2 holds promise for sustainable energy and chemical production. Practical application of this technology is impeded by slow mass transport of the sparingly soluble gases to conventional planar electrodes. Gas diffusion electrodes (G...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy & environmental science 2021-04, Vol.14 (4), p.1959-28
Main Authors: Rabiee, Hesamoddin, Ge, Lei, Zhang, Xueqin, Hu, Shihu, Li, Mengran, Yuan, Zhiguo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Catalysts
Chemical reduction
Design criteria
Diffusion electrodes
Electrochemistry
Electrodes
Fabrication
Gaseous diffusion
Gases
Mass transport
Renewable energy
Reviews
Selectivity
Sustainability
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Summary:Electrochemical reduction of gaseous feeds such as CO 2 , CO, and N 2 holds promise for sustainable energy and chemical production. Practical application of this technology is impeded by slow mass transport of the sparingly soluble gases to conventional planar electrodes. Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) maintain a high gas concentration in the vicinity of the catalyst and improve mass transport, thereby resulting in current densities higher by orders of magnitude. However, gaseous feeds cause changes to the GDE environment, and specific features are required to efficiently tune the product selectivity and improve reaction stability. Herein, with a comprehensive review of the challenges and advances in GDE development for various electrocatalytic reactions, we intend to complement the body of material-focused reviews. This review outlines GDE fundamentals and highlights key advantages of GDE over conventional electrodes. Through critical discussion about steps in GDE fabrication, and specific shortcomings and remedial strategies for various electrochemical applications, this review discusses connections, unique design criteria, and potential opportunities for gas-fed reactions and desired products. Finally, priorities for future studies are suggested, to support the advancement and scale-up of GDE-based electrochemical technologies. Opportunities, challenges and design criteria associated with Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for various electrochemical applications.
ISSN:1754-5692
1754-5706
DOI:10.1039/d0ee03756g