Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon and oxygen is studied in LiF-Li2CO3 eutectic molten salt under a carbon dioxide atmosphere using a molybdenum cathode and an inert platinum anode at 700 degrees C. Chronoamperometric measurements show that the electrodeposition of carbon involves three-dimensional (3D) instantaneous nucleation under diffusion-controlled growth at 700 degrees C. Carbon coating occurs at the molybdenum cathode through the electrochemical reduction of carbonate ions, and is tested at different cathodic potentials (-0.65 to -1.05 V) in LiF-Li2CO3 eutectic molten salts at 700 degrees C. Scanning electron microscope images reveal that smooth, dense, and compact deposits are obtained at more positive cathodic potentials. Raman spectroscopic analysis confirms that the carbon I-D/I-G peak ratio was 1.48, suggesting a slight degree of graphitization. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that potential for oxygen evolution at the platinum electrode is at around 0.5 V vs. platinum. Gas chromatography showed that oxygen gas is generated at the platinum inert electrode during potentiostatic electrolysis at 0.8 V and 1.0 V vs. platinum. This proposed concept may be used to provide oxygen in a carbon dioxide-rich environment such as the Martian surface. (C) 2015 The Electrochemical Society.