Efficient conversion of greenhouse gas of CO₂ into carbon products with desirable structures via molten carbonates electrolysis

Electrochemical transformation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been cited as one effective means to close present carbon cycle and resolve increasing ambient CO₂ concentration deriving from our high demands for energy and over-reliance on fossil fuels. However, efficient conversion of wasted CO₂ into valuable chemicals is still a big challenge. In this paper, atmospheric CO₂ is facilely transformed to carbon materials with desirable nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), honeycomb-like carbon and carbon spheres in a high-yield and scalable molten salts electrolysis setup. Our findings demonstrate the significant dependence of carbon structure on electrolyte composition, electrode materials, and applied temperature. Overall, this work provides a novel carbon negative capture and conversion strategy where carbon fuel or even valued nanostructured carbon materials are acquired with greenhouse gas of CO₂ as the final carbon source.