Discovery of Carbon Reduction Reaction

High-carbon chemicals, as significant raw materials in the petrochemical industry, possess a tremendous economic value. In a recent breakthrough, we report the synthesis of high-carbon chemicals via the carbon reduction reaction (CRR) under ambient conditions, a departure from conventional thermocatalytic methods that require high temperatures and pressures. Our electrocatalysis study revealed that the carbon membrane electrode was transformed into long-chain hydrocarbons, predominantly C16–C44, with a 40% selectivity for C₄₄H₉₀ after long-term electrolysis. Further investigation indicated that the CRR process was universal, as we achieved the production of high-carbon chemicals (18–35 carbons, with a selectivity of 50% for C₁₈H₃₃N) using biomass-derived carbon. This discovery not only offers a novel approach for the utilization of carbon-containing waste such as biomass and plastics but also establishes a mild and sustainable route for synthesizing high-carbon chemicals through the electroreforming of carbon materials.