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Mo2TiC2 MXene-Supported Ru Clusters for Efficient Photothermal Reverse Water-Gas Shift
Zhiyi Wu1,2, Jiahui Shen1, Chaoran Li1,2
1Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University-Western University Centre for Synchrotron Radiation Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China.
Sunlight-driven catalysis using metal clusters can create negative carbon footprints. This study developed MXene-supported Ruthenium (Ru) clusters that efficiently capture broadband sunlight for the reverse water-gas shift reaction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Metal clusters are promising for industrial catalysis but struggle with solar energy capture.
- Developing efficient catalysts for negative-carbon-footprint processes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize MXene-supported Ruthenium (Ru) clusters (Ru/Mo2TiC2) with enhanced solar energy utilization.
- To investigate the catalytic performance of Ru/Mo2TiC2 in the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction under sunlight.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Mo2TiC2 MXene-supported Ru clusters.
- Photocatalytic testing of the RWGS reaction using focused sunlight.
- Analysis of catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
Main Results:
- Ru/Mo2TiC2 exhibits strong broadband sunlight absorption and high sintering resistance.
- The catalyst demonstrates enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability for the RWGS reaction compared to Ru nanoparticles.
- A CO production rate of 4.0 mol·gRu−1·h−1 was achieved, competitive with state-of-the-art photothermal RWGS catalysts.
Conclusions:
- MXene-supported Ru clusters are effective for solar-driven RWGS catalysis.
- The rapid desorption of CO kinetically inhibits methane production.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for sustainable industrial catalysis.
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