Enhancing acetate selectivity by coupling anodic oxidation to carbon monoxide electroreduction

Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) is being actively developed as a key component for tandem CO2 electrolysis. Great effort has been devoted to engineering CO reduction electrocatalysts better multicarbon product selectivity. However, less work focused on other performance parameters that are crucial commercializing electrolysis, such liquid concentration and purity. Here, we present an internally coupled purification strategy substantially improve the acetate purity in This utilizes alkaline-stable anion exchange membrane with high ethanol permeability selective partial oxidation anode control stream. We demonstrate stable 120-h continuous operation electrolyser at current density 200 mA cm−2 full-cell potential <2.3 V, continuously producing 1.9 M stream 97.7%. The was further improved 7.6 >99% by tuning reaction conditions. Finally, techno-economic analysis shows highly concentrated essential reduce energy consumption separation. can be reduced electrocatalytically Cu-based electrodes ethanol; however, formation mixed streams creates separation issue. incorporated into generate pure (>99%) (up M).