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Ru Nanowires for Effective Low-Temperature CO2 Methanation in the Aqueous Phase
Mengzhu Li1,2, Chengyu Li1, Nanhong Xie3
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new aqueous-phase methanation system using ruthenium nanowires. This system achieves high methane selectivity at low temperatures, overcoming challenges in carbon-neutral fuel synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- The Sabatier reaction is crucial for carbon-neutral fuel synthesis but faces challenges like high temperatures and byproduct formation.
- Conventional catalysts deactivate due to hot spots and parasitic reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust, low-temperature aqueous-phase methanation system for efficient carbon-neutral fuel synthesis.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional Sabatier catalytic systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized grain boundary-rich ruthenium nanowires (Ru NWs) stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone in an aqueous system.
- Employed first-principles simulations to understand reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Achieved 99% methane selectivity at 353 K, suppressing RWGS activity.
- Demonstrated suppression of undesired RWGS activity.
- Identified that aqueous solvation shifts the reaction pathway toward methanation by altering energy barriers.
Conclusions:
- Established a new strategy for robust, low-temperature Sabatier catalysis in water.
- The system offers a scalable route for power-to-gas applications under mild and sustainable conditions.
