A cyclic electrochemical strategy to produce acetylene from CO₂, CH₄, or alternative carbon sources

Electrochemical transformation of potent greenhouse gases such as CO₂ and CH₄ to produce useful carbon-based products is a highly desirable sustainability goal. However, selectivity challenges remain in aqueous electrochemical processes as selective CO₂ reduction to desired products is difficult and electrochemical CH₄ oxidation often proceeds at very low rates. The formation of C-C coupled products in these fields is particularly desirable as this provides a path for the production of high-value fuels and chemicals. We have developed a cyclic electrochemical strategy which can produce acetylene, a C-C coupled product, from such carbon sources and water, with favorable current density and selectivity. This strategy is exemplified with a lithium-mediated cycle: an active Li⁰ surface is electrochemically generated from LiOH, the newly formed Li⁰ reacts with a carbon source to form Li₂C₂, and Li₂C₂ is hydrolyzed to form acetylene and regenerate LiOH. We demonstrate this process primarily using CO₂ gas, achieving a current efficiency of 15% to acetylene (which represents 82% of the maximum based on stoichiometric production of oxygenated byproducts, e.g.LiCO₃ and/or Li₂O), as verified by gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared radiation studies. We also explore CH₄, CO, and C as alternative precursors in the acetylene synthesis. Notably, the use of graphitic carbon at higher temperatures resulted in over 55% current efficiency to acetylene, with opportunity for further optimization. Importantly, this cycling method avoids the formation of common side products observed during aqueous electrochemical CO₂ and CH₄ redox reactions, such as H₂, CO, HCO₂⁻, or CO₂. Theoretical considerations elucidate the feasibility and general applicability of this cycle and the process steps have been characterized with specific electrochemical and materials chemistry techniques. The continued development of this strategy may lead to a viable route for the sustainable production of C-C coupled carbon fuels and chemicals.