Physics

Electrode

Organic chemistry

Electrosynthesis

Nafion

Gas diffusion electrode

Hydrogen

Diffusion

Anode

Engineering

Catalysis

Electrolysis

Electrolytic cell

Physical chemistry

Syngas

Gaseous diffusion

Chemistry

Materials science

Membrane electrode assembly

Carbon monoxide

Electrolyte

Chemical engineering

Electrochemistry

Thermodynamics

Joule

Low-cost renewable electricity has raised the prospect of using electrochemistry to synthesize fuels and chemicals. CO electrolysis can be used to make valuable multi-carbon products, but previous systems have shown low CO conversion and dilute product streams. Here we describe CO gas diffusion electrolysis cells that make concentrated products at high rates and modest voltages, including a cell that directly outputs a >1 M acetate solution. Our results reveal critical design features for maximizing the efficiency of C2 electrosynthesis.

Carbon Monoxide Gas Diffusion Electrolysis that Produces Concentrated C2 Products with High Single-Pass Conversion