Lunar-Based Photothermal CO₂ Reduction Strategy: Self-Evolving Transient Active Interface and Band Engineering.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Photochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• In situ resource utilization is crucial for space exploration.
• Developing efficient catalysts for CO2 conversion under solar irradiation is an ongoing challenge.
• Lunar soil composition inspired the catalyst design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a dynamically adaptive photothermal catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation.
• To investigate the self-evolution mechanism of the catalyst under photothermal conditions.
• To enhance full-spectrum sunlight utilization for efficient artificial photosynthesis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a Pd/Ov-FeTiO3 photothermal catalyst.
• Characterization using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, in situ XPS, and in situ EPR.
• Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT).

Main Results:

• The catalyst self-evolves to form a transient active interface rich in oxygen vacancies (Ov) and palladium.
• This interface enhances CO2 adsorption and facilitates electron transfer, boosting catalytic activity.
• The catalyst achieves a CO generation rate of 33.23 mol gPd−1 h−1 in photothermal CO2 hydrogenation at 300°C.

Conclusions:

• Transient active interfaces play a critical role in promoting charge separation and lowering reaction barriers.
• The 'self-evolution' mechanism offers a novel strategy for designing highly efficient photothermal catalysts.
• This work presents a practical pathway for extraterrestrial artificial photosynthesis and CO2 utilization.