Mainstream Engineering Corporation (MEC) is developing an innovative electrosynthesis process that incorporates their gas diffusion electrode (GDE) technology and utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2), captured from coal-fired power plant flue gas, to produce fuels or chemical precursors. Investigation is underway for two approaches: (1) a direct CO2 electron transfer process at the electrode, which provides a path for the electrosynthesis of fuels (e.g., formic acid, methanol, or methane), and (2) an indirect approach that transfers the activated CO2 to an organic precursor to form a carboxylic acid (carboxylic acids are valuable and important precursors used in polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, and cosmetics). MEC is leveraging their experience in liquid fuel cell electrode fabrication to design a GDE to benefit either approach and maximize target yield, efficiency, and reaction rate. In Phase I, electrocatalysts will be selected, synthesized, and optimized; a cathode structure will be fabricated and integrated into a test cell; and the overall efficiency and durability of the electrolysis for CO2 conversion will be measured. The results will be used to develop a preliminary design and techno-economic model.