Unlocking the potential of the formate pathway in the photo-assisted Sabatier reaction

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

108 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Tze Hao Tan
  • Bingqiao Xie
  • Siti Fatimah Binti Abdullah
  • Hin Yin Marco Tang
  • Nicholas Bedford
  • Robert A. Taylor
  • Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou
  • Rose Amal
  • Jason Scott

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1034-1043
Journal / PublicationNature Catalysis
Volume3
Issue number12
Online published30 Nov 2020
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Although solar irradiation has demonstrated beneficial synergy for catalytic CO2 hydrogenation, it has long been debated as to whether the observed photo-assisted catalytic enhancement has a photo-activation component or is driven solely by the heating effect. Here, we confirm that surface adsorbates play a critical role in photo-assisted CO2 activation. We isolate the rate-determining intermediate species in the photo-assisted Sabatier reaction by in situ isotopic spectroscopy. Specifically, we reveal that photo-activation of the formate adsorbate (HCO2*) offers an eightfold photo-enhancement on NiOx/La2O3@TiO2. Concurrently, the active La2O3@TiO2 support facilitates the adsorption of CO2, which may contribute to the sustained HCO2* formation and conversion. The findings are crucial as they provide surface intermediary insights in the design of catalysts for photo-assisted CO2 conversion. Ultimately, the understanding may unlock the solar-driven hydrogenation catalytic pathway for other reactions involving HCO2* such as the synthesis of methanol. 

Research Area(s)

Citation Format(s)

Unlocking the potential of the formate pathway in the photo-assisted Sabatier reaction. / Tan, Tze Hao; Xie, Bingqiao; Ng, Yun Hau et al.
In: Nature Catalysis, Vol. 3, No. 12, 12.2020, p. 1034-1043.

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