As concerns about climate change continue to mount, researchers are searching for ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, with particular attention focused on carbon dioxide.
One exciting avenue of exploration is the conversion of CO2 into useful hydrocarbons via electrolysis. However, the design of the electrolysis cell plays a crucial part in this process, with the electrolyte being a particularly important aspect to consider.
The zero-gap cell design has emerged as a particularly suitable option for industrial CO2 recycling processes. In this setup, the cathode and anode are separated by a thin layer of electrolyte that allows for efficient electrochemical reactions to take place.
However, even with this design, there are still challenges to address—namely, the fact that the cathodes tend to clog up quickly. To address this issue, researchers are exploring a range of potential solutions.
One promising avenue of investigation is the development of new types of electrolytes that can help to prevent clogging. These solutions may include additives that can help to break up deposits on the cathode surface, or new electrolyte compositions that can better withstand the process conditions.
Another strategy being explored is the use of materials with inherently higher stability under these conditions. By using more robust cathode materials, it may be possible to reduce the buildup of unwanted deposits and improve the overall efficiency of the CO2 recycling process.
Overall, it’s clear that the role of the electrolyte in CO2 recycling is a critical one, and researchers are exploring a range of approaches to improve the efficiency and reliability of this process.
With continued experimentation and collaboration, there’s hope that these efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for us all.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 