Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide into Useful Low-Carbon Fuels

In this chapter, preliminary discussion on the need for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in today’s scenario is emphasized, followed by the foundation to the conversion of CO₂ into useful chemicals. Various techniques employed for CO₂ sequestration are introduced, and in the midst of these approaches, electrochemical reduction of CO₂ is emphasized, owing to its advantages in product selectivity, operation at ambient conditions without supplementary chemical requirements, environmental compatibility, relatively simple modularity and quick scalability. Different types of catalysts reported in the literature for activating and reducing CO₂ are critically analysed. To start with, metallic electrodes in aqueous solutions and nanoporous materials are discussed. The reaction mechanism and effect of supporting electrolytes, pressure, and temperature are summarized. Combination of various techniques such as bio-electrochemical reduction and photocatalytic technologies have been accentuated. Furthermore, limitations and outlook of electrochemical reduction of CO₂ are presented, in which development of modules similar to that of commercially available H₂O electrolysers could pave the way for commercialization of electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂. © 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.