In Electrochemical CO2 reduction, it is always KHCO3 used as an electrolyte in H-Cell. Why it is the best choice compare to other electrolytes like Na2SO4, NaCl, KOH, etc.
KHCO3 is a product of the reaction between KOH and CO2. It's a "natural" carrier of CO2.
Muhammad Usman
In line with what Prof. Yurii V Geletii has said, yes it acts as CO2 source. This is the reason why for the same catalyst we have observed increased activity in 0.5 M KHCO3 compared to when we used 0.1 M KHCO3
The best source to provide CO2, and make the environment acidic. Moreover, the formation of HCO3 (-) is responsible to carry the CO2 towards the respective electrodes and enhance their adsorption. The other alternative is NaHCO3 but compare to KHCO3 the Na+ and HCO3 (-) ions are generated slowly from it.
Ibrahim Khan , HCO3- is the dominant species only in the certain range of pH. Cathode is negatively charged and can't "enhance their adsorption." The dissociation of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 is an extremely fast process. 0.1 M solution of KHCO3 in water has pH around 8 and does not make the environment acidic. When you post an answer, you show your knowledge in the area
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