Ga-Based Ga_@In₄Ag₉/Cu for CO₂ Electroreduction to CO in a Three-Chamber Electrolyzer: With NaOH and Cl₂ as Byproducts

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂RR) using renewable energy offers a sustainable approach for generating valuable chemicals. In this study, a three-chamber electrolyzer was utilized for the direct coproduction of CO, Cl₂, and NaOH from CO₂ and NaCl electrolysis, contributing to net CO₂ consumption and supporting industries like phosgene synthesis. To improve the electrolyzer performance, a Ga-based metal composite catalyst (Ga_@In₄Ag₉/Cu) was developed. This catalyst efficiently reduced CO₂ to CO during long-term electrolysis, achieving a CO partial current density of 147.16 mA·cm^-2 and a faradaic efficiency of 93.1% at -2.4 V (vs SHE). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that Ag atoms modulate the d-band center of Ga_@In₄Ag₉/Cu, enhancing its interaction with the reaction intermediates. This work introduces a Ga-based porous catalyst for CO₂ electrolysis in organic electrolytes, offering a promising system for the coproduction of CO, Cl₂, and NaOH through a coupled reaction.