Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025

CO2 Photoreduction to CH4 Performance Under Concentrating Solar Light
Published on: June 12, 2019
CO2-to-CO Conversion with Over 10 % Efficiency Using Earth Abundant System in a Single-Compartment Reactor with
Teppei Nishi1, Naonari Sakamoto1, Keita Sekizawa1
1TOYOTA CENTRAL R&D LABS., INC., 41-1, Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-11992, Japan.
Abstract:
The direct conversion of CO2 in the presence of O2 to value-added chemicals is a potentially important cost-effective solar-driven CO2 reduction technology. The present work demonstrates the solar-powered conversion of CO2 to CO with greater than 10 % efficiency using a Mn complex cathode and an Fe-Ni anode in a single-compartment reactor without an ion exchange membrane in conjunction with a Si solar cell. Reactors separated by ion exchange membranes are typically used to prevent any effects of oxygen generated by the counter electrode. However, the present Mn complex catalyst maintained its activity even in the presence of 15 % O2. Operando surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy established that the present Mn catalyst preferentially reacted with CO2 without adsorbing O2. This unique characteristic enabled solar-driven CO2 reduction using a single-compartment reactor. In contrast, catalytic metals such as Ag tend to lose activity in such systems as a consequence of reaction with oxygen produced at the anode.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pyruvate Oxidation
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
Bioremediation
Phase I Reactions: Oxidation of Carbon-Heteroatom and Miscellaneous Systems
In carbon-nitrogen systems, aliphatic and aromatic amines can undergo oxidative reactions. Secondary and tertiary amines, like those found in tricyclic antidepressants, can undergo N-dealkylation, a process that involves the oxidation of the alkyl group. In addition, oxidative...
The Carbon Cycle
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
Limiting Reactant

