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Advances in high-performance continuous electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to carbon monoxide, ethylene, and methanol

Abstract: Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECO2R) has emerged as a promising approach to address the climate change, store renewable energy while closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle, and it is steadily maturing toward industrial implementation. Carbon monoxide (CO), a strategic precursor for a wide range of polymers and chemicals, along with ethylene (C2H4), notable for its high energy density, have been the dominant products in the most efficient electrolyzers. In addition, electrosynthesis of methanol (CH3OH), a high-energy-density liquid fuel, has garnered significant interest as a sustainable alternative in the pursuit of a methanol economy. For industrial-scale application of ECO-R, recent studies have focused on high-current-density evaluation of gas diffusion electrode (GDE)-based systems for the production of CO, C2H4, and CH3OH. In the case of CO and C2H4, research primarily aims to improve energy efficiency, carbon efficiency, and system stability, while addressing operational challenges such as catalyst deactivation, salt precipitation, and electrode flooding. By contrast, methanol production systems are still striving to enhance Faradaic efficiency and current density. This review provides a unified discussion of highly efficient electrocatalytic systems for the continuous production of CO, C2H4, and CH3OH, examining key aspects of process design. Furthermore, it presents a quantitative comparative assessment of system performance metrics, identifies emerging trends, and addresses existing challenges that warrant further investigation. Finally, the review outlines prospective directions for future research.

 Authorship: Mahboub R., Shahrabi T., Yu H., Mustapha S., Obayomi K.S., Pitchaimuthu S., Díaz-Sainz G.,

 Fuente: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2026, 541, 177702

 Publisher: Elsevier

 Publication date: 01/08/2026

 No. of pages: 38

 Publication type: Article

 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.177702

 ISSN: 1385-8947,1873-3212

 Spanish project: PCI2024-155027-2

 Publication Url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.177702

Authorship

MAHBOUB, REZA

SHAHRABI, TAGHI

YU, HAOSHUI

MUSTAPHA, SAHEED

OBAYOMI, KEHINDE SHOLA

PITCHAIMUTHU, SUDHAGAR