Novel catalyst mixtures

Abstract

Catalysts comprised of at least one catalytically active element and at least one helper catalyst are disclosed. The catalysts may be used to increase the rate, the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These catalysts may be useful for a variety of chemical reactions including in particular the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to formic acid.

1 . A electrocatalyst comprised of at least one Catalytically Active Element and at least one Helper Catalyst wherein the catalyst is active for the electrochemical synthesis of formic acid using a reactant comprised of carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         2 . The electrocatalyst in  claim 1  where the Catalytically Active Element is comprised of one or more of Pb, Hg, Tl, In, Cd, Bi. Zr, Cr, Sn, W, Pd, Ru. 
     
     
         3 . The electrocatalyst in  claim 1  wherein The Helper Catalyst is comprised at least one of the following: phosphines, imidazoniums, pyridiniums, pyrrolidiniums, phosphoniums, sulfoniums, prolinates, methioninates, and cholines 
     
     
         4 . The electrocatalyst in  claim 1  wherein the Helper Catalyst is comprised of one or more of choline chloride, choline bromide, or choline iodide 
     
     
         5 . A catalyst for the electrochemical conversion of CO 2  comprised of at least one Catalytically Active Element and at least one Helper Catalyst 
     
     
         6 . The catalyst in  claim 5  wherein the Catalytically Active Element comprised of at least one of the following chemical elements: V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Al, Si, C, In, Sn, Tl, Pb, Bi, Sb, Te, U, Sm, Tb, La, Ce, Nd 
     
     
         7 . The catalyst in  claim 5  wherein the Helper Catalyst comprises at least one organic cation and or at least one organic anion. 
     
     
         8 . The catalyst in  claim 7  wherein the Helper Catalyst has a concentration of between about 0.0000062% and 99.9999% by weight. 
     
     
         9 . The catalyst in  claim 8  wherein The Helper Catalyst is comprised at least one of the following: phosphines, imidazoniums, pyridiniums, pyrrolidiniums, phosphoniums, sulfoniums, prolinates, methioninates, and cholines 
     
     
         10 . The catalyst in  claim 5  wherein the Helper Catalyst is a solvent, electrolyte or additive. 
     
     
         11 . A process for the formation of formic acid wherein carbon dioxide reacts in an electrochemical cell containing a catalyst comprised of at least one Catalytically Active Element and at least one Helper Catalyst.