Two-dimensional (2D) high-entropy transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) alloy compositions, methods of synthesizing the TMDC alloys, physical/chemical properties of the TMDC alloys, and uses of the TMDC alloys as catalysts in electrochemical reactions are disclosed.

An iron-containing Chevrel phase material, contains iron and Mo.sub.6S.sub.8 clusters, in particular an iron-containing Chevrel phase material having a formula Fe.sub.xMo.sub.6S.sub.8, wherein 2≤x≤4. The iron-containing Chevrel phase provides an efficient catalyst for the electrochemical production of ammonia from water and nitrogen gas.

An iron-containing Chevrel phase material, contains iron and Mo.sub.6S.sub.8 clusters, in particular an iron-containing Chevrel phase material having a formula Fe.sub.xMo.sub.6S.sub.8, wherein 2≤x≤4. The iron-containing Chevrel phase provides an efficient catalyst for the electrochemical production of ammonia from water and nitrogen gas.

The invention concerns a process for the electrochemical production of formate. The process is performed in an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode compartment containing a cathode, an anode compartment containing a nickel-based anode and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The process comprises the following steps: (a) feeding an anolyte comprising at least one polyol to the anode compartment; (b) feeding a catholyte comprising CO.sub.2 to the cathode compartment; (c) and applying a voltage difference between the cathode and the anode such that at the cathode CO.sub.2 is reduced to formate and at the anode the at least one polyol is oxidized to formate.

The invention concerns a process for the electrochemical production of formate. The process is performed in an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode compartment containing a cathode, an anode compartment containing a nickel-based anode and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The process comprises the following steps: (a) feeding an anolyte comprising at least one polyol to the anode compartment; (b) feeding a catholyte comprising CO.sub.2 to the cathode compartment; (c) and applying a voltage difference between the cathode and the anode such that at the cathode CO.sub.2 is reduced to formate and at the anode the at least one polyol is oxidized to formate.

The present invention relates to the production of graphene from CO.sub.2 through electrolysis and exfoliation processes. One embodiment is a method for producing graphene comprising (i) performing electrolysis between an electrolysis anode and an electrolysis cathode in a molten carbonate electrolyte to generate carbon nanomaterial on the cathode, and (ii) electrochemically exfoliating the carbon nanomaterial from a second anode to produce graphene. The exfoliating step produces graphene in high yield than thicker, conventional graphite exfoliation reactions. CO.sub.2 can be the sole reactant used to produce the valuable product as graphene. This can incentivize utilization of CO.sub.2, and unlike alternative products made from CO.sub.2 such as carbon monoxide or other fuels such as methane, use of the graphene product does not release this greenhouse gas back into the atmosphere.

The present invention relates to the production of graphene from CO.sub.2 through electrolysis and exfoliation processes. One embodiment is a method for producing graphene comprising (i) performing electrolysis between an electrolysis anode and an electrolysis cathode in a molten carbonate electrolyte to generate carbon nanomaterial on the cathode, and (ii) electrochemically exfoliating the carbon nanomaterial from a second anode to produce graphene. The exfoliating step produces graphene in high yield than thicker, conventional graphite exfoliation reactions. CO.sub.2 can be the sole reactant used to produce the valuable product as graphene. This can incentivize utilization of CO.sub.2, and unlike alternative products made from CO.sub.2 such as carbon monoxide or other fuels such as methane, use of the graphene product does not release this greenhouse gas back into the atmosphere.

Herein discussed is an electrochemical reactor comprising an ionically conducting membrane, wherein the reactor performs the water gas shift reactions electrochemically without electricity input, wherein electrochemical water gas shift reactions involve the exchange of an ion through the membrane and include forward water gas shift reactions, or reverse water gas shift reactions, or both. Also discussed herein is a reactor comprising: a bi-functional layer and a mixed conducting membrane; wherein the bi-functional layer and the mixed conducting membrane are in contact with each other, and wherein the bi-functional layer catalyzes reverse-water-gas-shift (RWGS) reaction and functions as an anode in an electrochemical reaction.

A cathode is provided for electrolysis of water wherein the cathode material comprises a multi-principal element, transition metal dichalcogenide material that has four or more chemical elements and that is a single phase, solid solution. The pristine cathode material does not contain platinum as a principal (major) component. However, a cathode comprising a transition metal dichalcogenide having platinum (Pt) nanosized islands or precipitates disposed thereon is also provided.

A cathode is provided for electrolysis of water wherein the cathode material comprises a multi-principal element, transition metal dichalcogenide material that has four or more chemical elements and that is a single phase, solid solution. The pristine cathode material does not contain platinum as a principal (major) component. However, a cathode comprising a transition metal dichalcogenide having platinum (Pt) nanosized islands or precipitates disposed thereon is also provided.