Abstract
► We model CO2 reduction in microfluidic cells. ► Transport phenomena on cathode side are studied. ► Limiting factors to the cell performance are identified. ► Parametric study is performed towards an optimal cell operation.
A numerical model for a microfluidic electrolytic cell (MEC) for CO2 utilization and fuel production is developed and validated against experimental data in literature. Mass transfer and electrochemical characteristics at the cathode of the MEC are studied. Limiting factors to the cell performance are found to be (i) low diffusivity of CO2 in the porous electrode, (ii) competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode and (iii) dilution effect of hydrogen. Parametric effects are also studied to find strategies to optimize the cell performance.