Process for making formic acid
First Claim
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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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods for electrochemical production of formic acid are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is selected from the group consisting of indium, lead, tin, cadmium, and bismuth. The second compartment may include a pH of between approximately 4 and 7. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to formic acid. Step (D) may maintain a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for electrochemical production of at least formic acid, comprising:
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(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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for electrochemical production of at least formic acid, comprising:
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(A) introducing a liquid 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 electrolyte in the second compartment having a pH which provides a concentration of hydrogen ions, the carbon dioxide, and water at a surface of the cathode to favor reduction of the carbon dioxide at the cathode; (C) applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient for the cathode to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least formic acid; and (D) maintaining a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification