Efficient solar-driven: Photothermal catalytic reduction of atmospheric CO₂ at the gas-solid interface by...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Greenhouse gas mitigation requires efficient methods for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and conversion.
• Photothermal synergy offers a promising pathway for CO2 reduction into valuable products.
• Developing advanced catalysts is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel gas-solid interface photothermal catalytic system for atmospheric CO2 reduction.
• To investigate the catalytic performance of a Cu porphyrin (CuTCPP)/MXene/TiO2 composite catalyst.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms enhancing the photothermal catalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the CuTCPP/MXene/TiO2 photothermal catalyst.
• Experimental evaluation of the catalyst's performance in CO2 reduction under simulated sunlight.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand reaction mechanisms and electronic properties.

Main Results:

• The CuTCPP/MXene/TiO2 catalyst achieved significant photothermal catalytic rates: 124 μmol·g−1·h−1 for CO and 106 μmol·g−1·h−1 for CH4.
• The composite catalyst significantly outperformed individual components, demonstrating synergistic effects.
• DFT results revealed enhanced carrier utilization due to an internal electric field and reduced reaction free energy from CuTCPP.

Conclusions:

• The developed CuTCPP/MXene/TiO2 catalyst effectively converts atmospheric CO2 into CO and CH4 via photothermal catalysis.
• Synergistic effects, including internal electric fields, LSPR, and rapid electron transfer, enhance catalytic performance.
• This system provides a simple and efficient method for in-situ CO2 capture and conversion, contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation.