Cu-based high-entropy two-dimensional oxide as stable and active photothermal catalyst
Yaguang Li1,2, Xianhua Bai3, Dachao Yuan4
1Research Center for Solar Driven Carbon Neutrality, Hebei Key Lab of Optic-electronic Information and Materials, The College of Physics Science and Technology, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China. liyaguang@hbu.edu.cn.
Nature Communications
|June 1, 2023
Summary
High-entropy two-dimensional (2D) materials enhance copper-based nanocatalysts stability and activity for CO2 hydrogenation. This breakthrough offers a new pathway for efficient photothermal catalysis and CO2 conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Copper-based nanocatalysts are crucial for industrial processes but face challenges in stability and activity.
- Improving catalytic performance requires innovative structural modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the high-entropy principle to Cu-based nanocatalysts for enhanced stability and activity.
- To develop a general method for synthesizing high-entropy 2D materials.
- To explore their application in CO2 hydrogenation and photothermal catalysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the high-entropy principle to modify Cu-based nanocatalyst structures.
- Developed a PVP-templated method for synthesizing 2D high-entropy materials with 6-11 dissimilar elements.
- Investigated the performance of 2D Cu2Zn1Al0.5Ce5Zr0.5Ox in CO2 hydrogenation and photothermal CO2 hydrogenation.
Main Results:
- Synthesized novel high-entropy 2D materials, exemplified by 2D Cu2Zn1Al0.5Ce5Zr0.5Ox.
- Enhanced sintering resistance from 400°C to 800°C.
- Achieved a CO2 hydrogenation rate of 417.2 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 500°C, four times higher than advanced catalysts.
- Demonstrated a record 36.2% photochemical energy conversion efficiency in photothermal CO2 hydrogenation, with a CO generation rate of 248.5 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- High-entropy 2D materials offer a new strategy to simultaneously improve catalytic stability and activity.
- These materials significantly expand the application scope of photothermal catalysis.
- The developed synthesis method provides a versatile route for creating advanced catalytic materials.
