Electrochemical and Electrocatalytic Reactions of Carbon Dioxide

Book excerpt: The recycling of atmospheric molecules for use as fuels and chemicals is a goal which can only be achieved through a deeper understanding of catalytic processes, particularly electrocatalysis whereby redox transformations can be interfaced with solar or nuclear energy input. Carbon dioxide is a prototypical small molecule in many regards since it is chemically inert. In addition, because of the likely role of carbon dioxide in global temperature cycles, it will be imperative in the future to regulate the output from industrial processes. The purpose of this book is to present a unified discussion of the carbon dioxide chemistry which is necessary for the understanding and design of electrochemically-driven processes for the reduction of carbon dioxide and to provide an impetus for the further development of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide chemistry.