Magnetic fields enhance mass transport during electrocatalytic reduction of CO2

The selectivity of electrocatalytic reduction CO 2 (CDR) is dictated not only by the intrinsic reactivity catalyst but also transport reactants to (i.e., mass transport). Current methods for increasing in CDR rely upon either (1) mechanical agitation or (2) use gas-diffusion electrodes and are unable eliminate concentration polarization completely. This work demonstrates that magnetic fields orthogonal ionic current Lorentz force) can be used increase during generating convective flow fluid, thus modifying observed CDR. leads a corresponding densities (up 1.3× higher than analogous system with no B ? -field agitation) increased relative hydrogen evolution reaction 2.5× agitation). • During CDR, (B-fields) generate currents fluid convection generated B-fields decreases pH gradients electrolysis magnitude B-field effect structure cathode decrease cost operating electrolyzer ?10% At high (>100 mA/cm ), limited transport, resulting decreased protons hydrogen. Common approaches agitation. acting through force Magnetic on ions moving (by this work). parallel surface an electrode .