High-Pressure Electrosynthesis of Succinic and Adipic Acids From CO2 and Ethylene in an Undivided Cell.

Electrosynthesis of succinic and adipic acids from ethylene and carbon dioxide is investigated in a high-pressure undivided cell. In contrast to the previous studies, we demonstrate that the reaction can proceed without sacrificial anodes with improved current efficiencies for succinic and adipic acids. Mechanistic studies performed with cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry, and density-functional theory are used to elucidate both the cathodic and anodic reaction mechanisms. Preliminary technoeconomic analysis of the synthesis is encouraging toward profitable and efficient synthesis of both succinic and adipic acids from ethylene and CO2 in the future.