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Process for making formic acid

  • US 8,562,811 B2
  • Filed: 03/09/2012
  • Issued: 10/22/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for electrochemical production of at least formic acid, comprising:

  • (A) introducing water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell, the first compartment including an anode;

    (B) introducing carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell, the second compartment including a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode, the cathode is selected from the group consisting of indium, lead, tin, cadmium, and bismuth, the electrolyte in the second compartment having a pH of between approximately 4 and 7;

    (C) applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to formic acid; and

    (D) maintaining a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm.

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