Unlocking the potential of the formate pathway in the photo-assisted Sabatier reaction
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1034-1043 |
Journal / Publication | Nature Catalysis |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 12 |
Online published | 30 Nov 2020 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2020 |
Externally published | Yes |
Link(s)
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.
In: Nature Catalysis, Vol. 3, No. 12, 12.2020, p. 1034-1043.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review