Electrochemical Reduction Behaviour of CO2 on Cu Electrode in Ionic Liquid (BMIMBF4) During Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction behaviour of CO₂ on Cu electrode in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3- methyllimidazolium tetrafluoborate (BMIMBF₄), during the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate was studied. The experiments were carried out in three electrodes undivided cell under mild conditions and the use of volatile solvents and catalysts, as well as any other additional supporting electrolytes, was avoided. The electrochemical reduction behaviour of CO₂ on Cu electrode in BMIMBF₄ had been studied by cyclic voltammetry with a reduction peak at -1.9 V (vs. Ag⁺/ AgCl) and the reduction process was mostly controlled by diffusion. Dimethyl carbonate was obtained in 73.2 % faradaic efficiency, under the optimized condition.