Imidazolium Functionalized Polymers for Effective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2

Abstract Imidazolium functionalized polymer electrolytes for the electrochemical reduction of gaseous CO2 (ERGC) were studied for the first time in a developed reactor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It was found that reaction environment favors the CO2 reduction reaction by overcoming the mass transfer of CO2 with the use of imidazolium fixed functional groups. The selectivity and Faradaic efficiency of products formed during ERGC is enhanced due to the modified functional groups in the solid polymer matrix. This work may open up new research opportunities for the conversion of gaseous CO2 to green fuels.