Ion Exchange Membranes in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Processes

Abstract The low-temperature electrolysis of CO 2 in membrane-based flow reactors is a promising technology for converting captured into valuable chemicals and fuels. In recent years, substantial improvements reactor design have significantly improved the economic viability this technology; thus, field has experienced rapid increase research interest. Among factors related to design, ion exchange membrane (IEM) plays prominent role energetic efficiency conversion useful products. Reactors utilizing cation exchange, anion bipolar membranes all been developed, each providing unique benefits challenges that must be overcome before large-scale commercialization feasible. Therefore, direct advances IEM specific electrochemical reduction reactions (CO RRs), review serves first provide polymer scientists with general understanding RR membrane-related shortcomings encourage systematic synthetic approaches develop meet requirements RRs. Second, provides researchers fields electrocatalysis RRs more detailed insight often-overlooked roles requirements; new methodologies evaluation during may developed. By using -to-CO/HCOO − as practical baseline systems, clear conceptualization merits different systems reasonable objectives future development are presented. Graphical