Continuous flow reactor and hybrid electro-catalyst for high selectivity production of C2H4 from CO2 and water via electrolysis

An electrochemical reactor for use with an electrolyte that generates gaseous products, comprising:

• an electrolyte channel, wherein the electrolyte channel does not comprise a solid, a first and a second electrode layer and a first and a second gas channel;
• wherein:
• (a) the first electrode layer is directly adjacent the electrolyte channel,
• (b) the second electrode layer is directly adjacent the electrolyte channel,
• (c) the first electrode layer separates the electrolyte channel and the first gas channel,
• (d) the second electrode layer separates the electrolyte channel and the second gas channel,
• (e) each electrode layer comprises a gas side and a catalyst side, wherein the catalyst side comprises a catalyst layer comprising a catalyst, wherein the catalyst layer is directly adjacent to the electrolyte channel;
• and
• (f) each electrode layer is hydrophilic on the catalyst side and hydrophobic on the gas side.