Electrochemical Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate with Carbon Dioxide in 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazoliumtetrafluoborate on Indium Electrode

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide on indium (In) electrode to synthesis dimethyl carbonate was studied in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumtetrafluoborate (BMIMBF4). The electrochemical behavior of electrocatalytic reduction CO2 on In electrode in ionic liquid BMIMBF4, had been studied by cyclic voltammogram with a reduction peak at -1.8 V (vs. Ag). The electrolysis experiments were carried out by constant-potential electrolysis in an undivided cell under mild conditions without any toxic solvents, catalysts and supporting electrolytes, affording the dimethyl carbonate in a moderate yield (76%) at a potential of -1.7 V (vs Ag). The results showed that the yields were affected by temperature, working potential and charge passed.