Formate: an Energy Storage and Transport Bridge between Carbon Dioxide and a Formate Fuel Cell in a Single Device. Issue 22 (29th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vo, Tracy; Purohit, Krutarth; Nguyen, Christopher; Biggs, Brenna; Mayoral, Salvador; Haan, John L.
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 8:Issue 22(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 3853
• Page End: 3858
• Publication Date: 2015-10-29
• Subjects: carbon dioxide -- direct formate fuel cell -- formate oxidation -- liquid fuel -- reduction; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201500958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: We demonstrate the first device to our knowledge that uses a solar panel to power the electrochemical reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide (carbonate) into formate that is then used in the same device to operate a direct formate fuel cell (DFFC). The electrochemical reduction of carbonate is carried out on a Sn electrode in a reservoir that maintains a constant carbon balance between carbonate and formate. The electron‐rich formate species is converted by the DFFC into electrical energy through electron release. The product of DFFC operation is the electron‐deficient carbonate species that diffuses back to the reservoir bulk. It is possible to continuously charge the device using alternative energy (e.g., solar) to convert carbonate to formate for on‐demand use in the DFFC; the intermittent nature of alternative energy makes this an attractive design. In this work, we demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept device that performs reduction of carbonate, storage of formate, and operation of a DFFC. Abstract : All‐in‐one : The first device that simultaneously uses alternative energy in combination with a direct formate fuel cell (DFFC) is reported. A solar panel is used to power the electrochemical reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide (carbonate) into formate, which is then used to operate a DFFC. It is possible to continuously charge the device using alternative energy for on‐demand use.