Reduction Method And Electrolysis System For Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Utilization

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to electrochemical utilization of carbon dioxide. The teachings may be embodied in methods and electrolysis systems in which carbon dioxide is introduced into an electrolysis cell and reduced at a cathode. For example, a reduction method for carbon dioxide utilization by means of an electrolysis system may include: delivering carbon dioxide into a chamber containing a cathode; introducing a first material in the cathode chamber, enabling catalysis of a reduction reaction of carbon dioxide to a hydrocarbon compound or to carbon monoxide; and introducing a second material together with the electrolyte or a reactant/electrolyte mixture into the cathode chamber or metered separately into the cathode chamber. The second material enables cocatalysis of the reduction reaction by promoting charge transfer from the cathode to the first material. The first and second materials react with one another in situ as precursor and form hydrido-metal complexes or metal-carbonyl hydrides within the cathode chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reduction method for carbon dioxide utilization by means of an electrolysis system, the method comprising:
 delivering carbon dioxide into a cathode chamber containing a cathode;   introducing a first material in the cathode chamber, the first material enabling catalysis of a reduction reaction of carbon dioxide to a hydrocarbon compound or to carbon monoxide; and   introducing a second material, different from the first material, together with the electrolyte or a reactant/electrolyte mixture, into the cathode chamber or metered separately into the cathode chamber, said second material enabling cocatalysis of the reduction reaction by promoting charge transfer from the cathode to the first material;   wherein the first and second materials react with one another in situ as precursor and form hydrido-metal complexes or metal-carbonyl hydrides within the cathode chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second material comprises a protic solvent. 
     
     
         3 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second material is comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: water, methanol, ethanol, and alcohol. 
     
     
         4 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first material comprises a metal complex. 
     
     
         5 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first material comprises a transition metal complex. 
     
     
         6 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first material comprises a metal carbonyl or metal carbonylate. 
     
     
         7 . The reduction method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second materials are stable in an aqueous environment. 
     
     
         8 . An electrolysis system for carbon dioxide utilization, the system comprising:
 an electrolysis cell;   an anode in an anode chamber; and   a cathode in a cathode chamber;   wherein the cathode comprises a layer integrating the functions of a charge transfer layer and a surface protection layer;   wherein the cathode chamber accommodates carbon dioxide and brings carbon dioxide into contact with the cathode;   the cathode chamber includes a first material enabling catalysis of a reduction reaction of carbon dioxide to ahydrocarbon compound or to carbon monoxide;   the cathode chamber includes a materials entry with a metering unit, via which a second material, different from the first material, can be introduced into the cathode chamber; and   the second material enables cocatalysis of the reduction reaction by promoting charge transfer from the cathode to the first material.   
     
     
         9 . The electrolysis system for carbon dioxide utilization as claimed in  claim 8 , where a surface of the cathode has a work function whose energy level allows charge transfer to the first material. 
     
     
         10 . The electrolysis system for carbon dioxide utilization as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the cathode comprises copper, copper oxide, TiO 2 , or another metal oxide semiconductor material. 
     
     
         11 . The electrolysis system for carbon dioxide utilization as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the cathode includes a charge transfer layer with a surface has having a work function whose energy level allows charge transfer to the first material. 
     
     
         12 . The electrolysis system for photoelectrochemical carbon dioxide utilization as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the cathode comprises photocathode.