Ionic liquid-based ionogels as an integrated platform for sustainable CO₂ capture and electrochemical conversion

This study explores the use of ionic liquid-based ionogels as multifunctional materials for both CO₂ capture and its electrochemical conversion into carbon monoxide. By integrating these processes within a single quasi-solid-state system, the need for intermediate gas desorption and posterior gas handling is eliminated, simplifying operation and reducing energy demands. Ionogels composed of a fluorinated copolymer and ionic liquids with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anions were evaluated for their physicochemical and electrochemical performance. Among them, ionogels bearing imidazolium cations demonstrated superior behavior, achieving up to 75% current efficiency and consistent CO production using silver electrodes. These results confirm the viability of ionogels as recyclable, selective, and efficient platforms for next-generation carbon capture and utilization technologies.