Methods for electrochemical production of formic acid are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is selected from the group consisting of indium, lead, tin, cadmium, and bismuth. The second compartment may include a pH of between approximately 4 and 7. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to formic acid. Step (D) may maintain a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm.