Effect of BaCO3 addition on the CO2-derived carbon deposition in molten carbonates electrolyzer

Effect of BaCO₃ addition on the CO₂-derived carbon deposition in molten carbonates electrolyzer

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Electrolysis of molten carbonates provides an effective means to achieve the direct conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to readily available carbonaceous fuel or chemicals. In this study, CO₂ was electrolyzed in a Li–Na–K ternary carbonates mixture using galvanized Fe as the cathode and nickel as the anode. In particular, the effect of BaCO₃ on the generation of carbon was studied. The results demonstrate that BaCO₃ addition facilitates the deposition of compact carbon materials. Moreover, decreasing the temperature and increasing the current density lead to the formation of loosened carbon products. Though Li–Na–K–Ba electrolysis exhibits a higher cell voltage than that using Li–Na–K carbonates, BaCO₃ addition can significantly ease anode corrosion and the corresponding corrosion inhibiting action is discussed. In summary, a facile CO₂ absorption and a mitigatory nickel anode corrosion were observed when BaCO₃ was dissolved in Li–Na–K carbonates and further investigation is expected.