Electrochemical manufacturing of nanocarbons from carbon dioxide in molten alkali metal carbonate salts: roles of alkali metal cations

摘要: One simple and fast way to manufacture a useful product from CO2 is capture the gas by, then carry out electrolysis in molten alkali metal carbonates. Carbon electro-deposition Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3 (molar ratio: 43.5:31.5:25.0) has been widely reported literature. However, studies each of individual carbonates either have received less attention or are simply lacking Electrochemical these important understand their underlying processes reactions during electrolysis. In this work, cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were recorded above-mentioned carbonate salts using 0.25 mm diameter Pt wire working electrode. Na2CO3 K2CO3, main cathodic reaction was likely formation metal, while that Li2CO3 carbon deposition. The results also suggest other competing such as CO carbide possible well different salts. On CVs, anodic current peaks observed mostly associated with oxidation products. Flake/ring/sheet-like structures quasi-spherical particles produced carbon. morphology contained both amorphous graphitic structures, which varied variables.