| 20090246572 | METHOD AND A REACTOR FOR MAKING METHANOL - Methanol is produced from carbon dioxide and water in a reactor comprising a cathode side with a cathode and catalyst for the cathode reaction, an anode side with an anode and catalyst for the anode reaction, and an intermediate membrane separating the cathode side from the anode side. The reactor is divided into a plurality of cells that are flow connected in series for carrying out a multi-step cathode reaction. A voltage is connected between the cathode and the anode where the carbon dioxide is exposed to a cathode reaction, and is reduced to formic acid, in a second step the formic acid is reduced to formaldehyde and water, and in a third step the formaldehyde is reduced to methanol. Reduction of the amount of carbon dioxide to be deposited may be achieved. Water is oxidized to hydrogen peroxide, which may be used as oxidant in DMFC fuel cells. | 10-01-2009 |
