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MOF-Derived In2O3-CeO2 Composite Catalyst with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies for Photothermal CO2 Reduction
Huiqing Dong1, Siyu Huang1, Haopeng Cui1
1School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study enhances carbon dioxide conversion using In2O3-modified CeO2 catalysts derived from MOFs. The novel material boosts photothermal catalysis for producing valuable chemicals and achieving carbon neutrality.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Photothermal catalysis offers a route for CO2 conversion to valuable chemicals, crucial for carbon neutrality.
- Cerium oxide (CeO2) shows promise but suffers from poor light absorption and charge recombination.
- Developing advanced catalysts is essential to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate In2O3-modified CeO2 catalysts for enhanced photothermal CO2 hydrogenation.
- To investigate the role of metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors in catalyst performance.
- To understand the mechanism behind improved CO2 adsorption, activation, and conversion.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of In2O3-CeO2 composites from a Ce-BTC MOF precursor.
- Characterization of the synthesized materials, focusing on structural and defect properties.
- Testing the catalytic performance in photothermal CO2 hydrogenation and analyzing reaction pathways.
Main Results:
- The In2O3-CeO2 composites exhibited modulated pore structures and abundant oxygen vacancies (Ov).
- Significant enhancements in CO2 adsorption, activation, charge separation, and photothermal catalytic activity were observed.
- The optimal 3% In2O3-CeO2 catalyst achieved a CO yield of 92.35 mmol·g-1·h-1 with 100% selectivity.
Conclusions:
- MOF-derived In2O3-modified CeO2 composites are effective for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation.
- Oxygen vacancies at the In2O3-CeO2 interface play a key role in facilitating electron transfer and CO2 conversion.
- This strategy provides a pathway for designing efficient catalysts for carbon utilization and achieving carbon neutrality.
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