Photons to formate: Efficient electrochemical solar energy conversion via reduction of carbon dioxide

James L. White, Jake T. Herb, Jerry J. Kaczur, Paul W. Majsztrik, Andrew Bruce Bocarsly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

The storage of solar energy as formic acid generated electrochemically from carbon dioxide has been identified as a viable solar fuel pathway. We report that this transformation can be accomplished by separating light absorption and CO2 reduction through the use of a commercial solar panel illuminated with natural AM1.5 sunlight to power a custom closed-loop electrochemical flow cell stack. Faradaic yields for formate of up to 67% have been demonstrated in this system, yielding a solar energy to fuel thermionic conversion efficiency above 1.8%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of CO2 Utilization
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Process Chemistry and Technology

Keywords

  • Artificial photosynthesis
  • Liquid solar fuel
  • Solar energy storage

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Photons to formate: Efficient electrochemical solar energy conversion via reduction of carbon dioxide'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this