COMPONENTS AND METHODS FOR THE ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION OF GASEOUS CO2

A multiple-layer gas diffusion electrode for sustaining electrochemical reduction of gaseous CO2 and/or CO into multi-carbon products is provided, including a gas diffusion layer comprising a support layer, a microporous layer having pores that are sized to maintain the gaseous CO2 and/or CO, or a combination thereof available for electroreduction, and a catalytic layer comprising a catalyst favoring reduction of the CO2 and/or CO. There are also provided, a method for producing the gas diffusion electrode, a spacer being positionable between an ion exchange membrane and an anode of a membrane electrode assembly, a reactor including a membrane electrode assembly and a support structure, a stack reactor that can include the gas diffusion electrode and the spacer as described herein, a method to diagnose and isolate at least one faulty repeat cell unit in an electrolyzer stack reactor, and a rinsing method for facilitating operation of an electroreduction system.