(177z) Freestanding Porous Solid Electrolytes for Advanced CO2 Electrolysis

Addressing carbon emissions through the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into chemical fuels is a promising strategy. Conventional CO2 reduction reactors using liquid-based electrolytes face challenges, including the need for additional purification steps resulting in decreased energy efficiency. This study introduces an innovative method to create a conductive, free-standing and porous solid electrolyte (PSE) for CO2 electrolysis, addressing challenges in traditional liquid-based reactors. The composite PSE, constructed with ion exchange particles immobilized by polysulfone binder, achieves remarkable ionic conductivity of 10.4 mS/cm while maintaining structural integrity. The optimal composite PSE with 12 wt %, integrated into a CO2 electrolyzer exhibited a promising 90% Faradaic efficiency under 100 mA cm-2 in pure formic acid production, and demonstrated unprecedented stable performance for 220 hours. The composite PSE offers mechanical robustness, customizable design, and improved water flow, presenting a viable alternative to commercially available PSEs. This research advances solid-state CO2 electrolyzers, contributing to efficient and sustainable CO2 electrolysis systems in support of zero carbon emission goals.