Novel cathode configuration for enhanced electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into reduced products

Abstract

The present invention provides for a system comprising a cathode configuration for enhanced electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into reduced products. In some embodiments, the system comprises (a) an electrode comprises a plurality of microparticles on a surface of the electrode, wherein the microparticles comprise tin (Sn), indium (In), and/or bismuth (Bi), and (b) an electrolyte solution comprising a plurality of microparticles wherein the microparticles comprise tin (Sn), indium (In), and/or bismuth (Bi).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising (a) an electrode, wherein the electrode optionally comprises a plurality of microparticles on a surface of the electrode, wherein the microparticles comprise tin (Sn), indium (In), and/or bismuth (Bi), and (b) an electrolyte solution comprising a plurality of microparticles wherein the microparticles comprise tin (Sn), indium (In), and/or bismuth (Bi). 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a Sn microparticle, an In microparticle, and/or a Bi microparticle, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a Sn microparticle and an In microparticle. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a Sn microparticle and a Bi microparticle. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the electrolyte solution comprises an In microparticle and a Bi microparticle. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a reactor configuration comprising a sandwich-type electrosynthesis cell comprising of two compartments (anodic and cathodic) interconnected with an ionic exchange membrane. 
     
     
         7 . A method of culturing a bacterium capable of utilizing formic acid comprising: (a) providing a device of  claim 1  and a power source in electrical communication with the device, (b) running a current through the electrode of the device by the power source, (c) producing formic acid through reacting carbon dioxide with electrons from the cathode, and (d) a bacterium capable of utilizing formic acid utilizes or metabolizing the formic acid produced to growth.