Microstructural surface changes of electrodeposited Pb on gas diffusion electrode during electroreduction of gas‐phase CO 2

We have applied zero‐gap cell for gas‐phase CO 2 conversion to introduce better applicability at large scale. The cathodic reduction of CO 2 has attracted considerable attention with the aim of generating useful fuels and chemicals. The CO 2 gas is reduced on the surface of the electrodeposited Pb on gas diffusion electrode to give mainly formic acid, accompanied by morphological and crystalline changes of the catalyst. These changes are revealed by both scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic conversion of CO 2 gas as a function of Pb microstructures in relation to formic acid production was also investigated and is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.