Photo-to-Thermal Conversion Harnessing Low-Energy Photons Renders Efficient Solar CO2 Reduction

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Chengqi Guo
  • Enhui Jiang
  • Qiuli Chen
  • Wanhe Li
  • Yahui Chen
  • Shuhan Jia
  • Yiying Zhou
  • Zhonghuan Liu
  • Xinyu Lin
  • Pengwei Huo
  • Chunxiang Li
  • John Charles Crittenden
  • Zhi Zhu
  • Yan Yan

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)36247-36254
Journal / PublicationACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume16
Issue number28
Online published4 Jul 2024
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jul 2024

Abstract

Efficient photocatalytic solar CO2 reduction presents a challenge because visible-to-near-infrared (NIR) low-energy photons account for over 50% of solar energy. Consequently, they are unable to instigate the high-energy reaction necessary for dissociating C═O bonds in CO2. In this study, we present a novel methodology leveraging the often-underutilized photo-to-thermal (PTT) conversion. Our unique two-dimensional (2D) carbon layer-embedded Mo2C (Mo2C-Cx) MXene catalyst in black color showcases superior near-infrared (NIR) light absorption. This enables the efficient utilization of low-energy photons via the PTT conversion mechanism, thereby dramatically enhancing the rate of CO2 photoreduction. Under concentrated sunlight, the optimal Mo2C-C0.5 catalyst achieves CO2 reduction reaction rates of 12000-15000 μmol·g-1·h-1 to CO and 1000-3200 μmol·g-1·h-1 to CH4. Notably, the catalyst delivers solar-to-carbon fuel (STF) conversion efficiencies between 0.0108% to 0.0143% and the STFavg = 0.0123%, the highest recorded values under natural sunlight conditions. This innovative approach accentuates the exploitation of low-frequency, low-energy photons for the enhancement of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. © 2024 American Chemical Society.

Research Area(s)

  • 2D MXene, carbon dioxide reduction, photo-to-thermal conversion, photocatalysis, solar energy

Citation Format(s)

Photo-to-Thermal Conversion Harnessing Low-Energy Photons Renders Efficient Solar CO2 Reduction. / Guo, Chengqi; Jiang, Enhui; Chen, Qiuli et al.
In: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Vol. 16, No. 28, 17.07.2024, p. 36247-36254.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review