In conclusion, considering the complexities and challenges associated with aqueous media – despite the environmentally- friendly nature of this electrolyte -, the advantages discussed throughout this thesis of non-aqueous imidazolium electrolytes underscore the potential for using these process conditions for CO2 reduction. This opens avenues for both fundamental and engineering research in this field. One pivotal question that necessitates exploration is the potential role of imidazolium cations (or azolium types in a more general sense) in stabilizing intermediates within the pathways of C2 and C3 products, particularly on electrodes with higher affinity for CO intermediates. Could this lead to the development of more selective process for C2 and C3 products? This, coupled with the potential influence of proton donors, presents a promising direction for future investigations. These pursuits will demand the utilization of computational studies, modular synthesis techniques, in situ spectroscopy, and comprehensive electrolysis analyses. From a process perspective, numerous opportunities exist to leverage the absorption properties of non-aqueous imidazolium electrolytes and to explore CO2 reduction under diverse process conditions. As previously suggested, the concept of paired electrolysis holds significant promise, calling for the incorporation of organic electrosynthesis, a burgeoning area of research (Scheme 8.1) . Furthermore, it presents an exciting avenue for future industrial trials, particularly in scenarios where oxygen evolution may not be the optimal coupled reaction for CO2 electrolysis.
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