CO2 utilization in electrochemical systems

An electrochemical system comprising:

• (a) a cathode compartment comprising a cathode electrolyte in contact with a cathode, wherein the cathode produces hydrogen gas, and wherein the cathode compartment is operatively connected to a system selected from an industrial waste gas system that delivers carbon dioxide derived from combusting fossil fuels or cement plants to the cathode compartment;
• a gas/liquid contactor operatively connected to the industrial waste gas system wherein the gas/liquid contactor contacts the cathode compartment with carbon dioxide from the industrial waste gas system;
• or combination thereof;
• (b) an anode compartment comprising an anode electrolyte in contact with an anode;
• (c) the cathode electrolyte comprising bicarbonate ions wherein the anode electrolyte and the cathode electrolyte have a pH differential of between 6-12;
• (d) a hydrogen gas delivery system configured to direct hydrogen gas from the cathode to the anode;
• and
• a Nernst cell voltage of less than 0.8V across the anode and the cathode.