Cover Feature: The Effect of Electrolyte pH and Impurities on the Stability of Electrolytic Bicarbonate Conversion (ChemSusChem 6/2025)

Abstract

The Cover Feature shows bicarbonate electrolysis, the performance of which is largely controlled by the electrolyte inlet pH, the distance between the membrane and electrode, and the impurities present in the electrolyte. Trace metal impurities poison the electrode surface and thereby block the active sites for the CO₂ reduction reaction to take place. By complexing trace metal ions with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), stability can be significantly improved, and longer-term operation can be achieved. More information can be found in the Research Article by R. Kortlever and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202401631).