The Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formate/Formic Acid: Engineering and Economic Feasibility

The engineering and economic feasibility of large‐scale electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate salts and formic acid is the focus of this Full Paper. In our study we investigated the long‐term performance of tin and other proprietary catalysts in the reduction of carbon dioxide to formate/formic acid at a gas/solid/liquid interface, using a flow‐through reactor. The overall economics and energy consumption of the process are evaluated through a value chain analysis. The sensitivity of the net present value of the process to various process parameters is examined. Formic acid and formate salts produced from carbon dioxide are commercially attractive end products for the energy, transportation, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Recent progress towards a commercially viable electrochemical route to reduce carbon dioxide into formic acid is described. A value chain analyses of two different production scenarios is compared to carbon capture and geological sequestration.