We have provided the basis for developments in tuneable, high surface area electrodes to achieve high current densities and Faradaic efficiencies. Furthermore, an alternative gas diffusion electrode to stainless steel mesh has been presented which can itself be easily tuned for the reaction requirements or inspire research into other commercial or homemade carbon gas diffusion layers. There are several established deposition techniques for depositing catalysts onto carbon gas diffusion layers and we foresee that these methods would allow for increased current densities. Understanding the role of the structure and chemistry of this new class of cathode materials presents many opportunities for further research.