PROCESS AND SYSTEM TO ENHANCE AND SUSTAIN ELECTROLYSER PERFORMANCE OF CARBON-DIOXIDE ELECTROLYSERS

摘要

The invention relates to processes and a system (200) to enhance/sustain electrolyser performance of an electrolyser (100) for continuous electrolysis of gaseous carbon dioxide, CO2, wherein the electrolyser (100) comprises at least an anode with an anode catalyst layer, a cathode with a cathode catalyst layer formed as a gas-diffusion electrode, GDE, an ion-conducting separator layer arranged between the anode and the cathode, an anode compartment formed in contact with the anode, and a cathode compartment formed in contact with the cathode. In the processes, a flow of gaseous CO2 is directed through the cathode compartment and a flow of anolyte is directed through the anode compartment to perform electrolysis of said CO2 in the electrolyser (100), and thereby to convert said CO2 into at least one product leaving said electrolyser. From time to time, one of (i) a liquid flow containing alkali or alkali-earth metal cations, or (ii) a gaseous flow comprising at least one of isopropanol vapor, ethanol vapor, gaseous ammonia, N2H4, HCl, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide is directed through the cathode compartment, thereby activating the GDE.