Three-membrane electrolyzer for CO2 electroreduction to CO with Na2CO3 and Cl2 produced as byproducts: A strategy for industrial application

A three-membrane electrolysis cell has been developed for the efficient conversion of CO 2 to CO, with Cl 2 and Na 2 CO 3 produced as byproducts. This cell consists of two chambers separated by a three-membrane assembly comprising a cation exchange membrane (CEM), a liquid electrolyte membrane (LEM), and a polyethylene (PE) membrane. In the cathodic chamber, CO 2 is electrochemically reduced to CO in organic electrolyte. And in the anodic chamber, Cl⁻ is oxidized to Cl 2 in aqueous solution. Simultaneously, Na⁺ migrates through the three-membrane system and enters into the cathode compartment, where, they combine with CO 3 2− generated from CO 2 reduction to form solid Na 2 CO 3 . The produced CO and Cl 2 can be served as feedstock for phosgene synthesis. This work presents a promising strategy for converting CO 2 into high-value chemicals.