Conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons by continuous-flow electroreduction

The present work demonstrates the possibility of electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide in a single step to hydrocarbons, typically between 1 and 9 carbon atoms, and ethanol. The main interest of this work lies in the mode of reaction, i.e. with a continuous flow of CO ₂ , at room temperature and ordinary pressure, this having never been shown before. What's more, these mild reaction conditions allow energy inputs to be kept to a minimum, making it possible in the near future to use solar radiation to, ultimately, directly generate the protons and electrons required by dissociation of water.