The invention is directed to an electrochemical cell for production of chemicals from a gas-phase reactant in a liquid environment. The electrochemical cell has a membrane electrode assembly configuration and is comprised of an anode, an ion exchange membrane and a cathode. The membrane electrode assembly is in direct contact with a liquid solution to facilitate extraction and handling of the produced chemicals, and the gas reactant is delivered through the liquid to the membrane electrode assembly. The present invention relates to a process and electrochemical cell for use in the synthesis of chemicals. The present invention relates to the electrocatalysts used and their incorporation into a membrane electrode assembly, MEA. The present invention also relates to the electrodes used in a membrane electrode assembly, in particular the gas diffusion layer, and a method for transport of gas-phase reactants into a liquid-immersed membrane electrode assembly.
