Systems and methods for electrochemical generation of syngas and other useful chemicals

A carbon capture method comprising:

• (a) providing an electrochemical reactor comprising a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, and a bipolar membrane separating the anode from the cathode, wherein the electrochemical reactor comprises a cathode feed comprising an aqueous solution comprising carbonate and/or bicarbonate, and wherein the aqueous solution is generated by removing carbon dioxide from a source of carbon dioxide;
• (b) providing a gaseous stream to the cathode feed comprising the aqueous solution, and supplying the cathode feed into the electrochemical reactor;
• (c) using the membrane electrode assembly to cause an electrochemical reaction in the presence of the aqueous solution to yield a carbon-containing product, wherein a concentration of the carbon dioxide in the aqueous solution is below 7 mM;
• and
• (d) removing the carbon-containing product from the electrochemical reactor.