Emergence of CO2 electrolyzers including supported molecular catalysts

With access to cheap, sustainable electricity, electrocatalysis is a promising technology for converting electric power into storable chemical fuels or value-added chemical compounds. This has sparked the development of electrocatalysts that need to operate at high product selectivity and high energy efficiency. Electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation, oxygen activation and nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction are examples of reactions with a huge industrial potential. Notably, electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ has recently developed as a favourable pathway to convert this greenhouse gas into value-added chemicals and fuels. Earth-abundant metals stabilized by carbon/nitrogen macrocycle ligands are well-known efficient and selective catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ in homogeneous conditions. Recently, such catalysts have also been used in supported conditions and implemented in flow cell electrolyzers, showing promising performances. This review provides a synopsis for the evolution of CO₂ electrolyzers using molecular catalysts.     

Carbon Dioxide Destruction with Methane Reforming by a Novel Plasma-Catalytic Converter

A novel plasma-catalyst converter (NPCC) was engineered in applying the carbon capture utilization technology for the destruction of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is a cause of global warming and is generated from the combustion of fossil fuels. The NPCC has an orifice-type baffle to improve an amount of gas feed with the higher CO₂ destruction for a stationary point sources application . To examine its ability for the CO₂ destruction, the performance analysis was conducted on the effects of methane additive, nozzle injection velocity, total gas feed, and catalyst type. The product gas from the NPCC was combustible components like CO, H₂, CH₄, THCs. The CO₂ destruction and the CH₄ conversion at a 1.29 CH₄/CO₂ ratio were 37 and 47 %, respectively, and the energy decomposition efficiency was 0.0036 L/min W. The nickel oxide catalyst among other catalysts showed the most effectiveness for the CO₂ destruction and CH₄ conversion at a lower temperature. The carbon-black produced without the catalytic bed has carbon nanoparticles with diverse shapes, such as spherical carbon particles and carbon nanotubes; and its high conductivity and specific surface area were suitable for special electronic materials, fuel cells, and nanocomponents.     

Efficiency of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Dissociation in a Radio-Frequency Discharge

One possible solution to mitigating the effects of high atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the use of a plasma source to break apart the molecule into carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen. This work experimentally investigates the efficiency of dissociation of CO₂ in a 1-kW radio-frequency (rf) plasma source operating at 13.56-MHz in a low-pressure discharge. Mass spectrometry diagnostics are used to determine the species present in the discharge, and these measurements are used to calculate the energy efficiency and conversion efficiency of CO₂ dissociation in the rf plasma source. Experimental results have found that the conversion efficiency of CO₂ to CO can reach values near 90%, however energy efficiency reaches a maximum of 3%. A theoretical energy cost analysis is also given as a method to evaluate the effectiveness of any plasma system designed for CO₂ emissions reduction.     

Effective tri-metallic TiO2 supported catalyst for hydrocarbon production from carbon dioxide

The current socio-economic issues with concerns on environmental quality and global warming are attributed to high concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide due to extensive usage of fossil fuels. Thus, over the last two decades, comprehensive work has been reported on carbon capture and storage and catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons. Among these, the reactions with hydrocarbons to form value-added products have been in focus. In this work, an attempt was made to identify the feasibility of the reaction: carbon dioxide and steam to form hydrocarbons of fuel value. After reviewing the literature on the development of various catalysts and their mechanism, a multi-metallic catalyst supported by TiO₂ Nano-needles was explored. The reaction mechanism is expected to proceed with activated CO₂ complex and hydroxyl groups over the metal oxide catalyst. Current reported work on CO₂ and Hydrogen proceeds with activated CO₂ and protons over the catalyst. The characterization techniques mainly XPS, XRD, TGA, FESEM-EDAX, FTIR, and NMR were used to analyze the catalyst activity and to confirm the products formed. The reaction is found to yield methanol and oxygen only. However, the conversion is found to be 0.4% - 3.8% in the temperature range 350°C to 550°C. The reaction of CO₂ with hydroxyl groups from water vapor can be effective as an alternative to the reaction with protons from hydrogen.     

从液态阳光人工光合成淀粉

人工光合成是利用太阳能等可再生能源通过连续催化反应将水和二氧化碳转化为液态燃料的过程,是减少二氧化碳排放、实现绿色低碳发展的一种重要方法.人工光合成的目标产物不仅包括二氧化碳转化与利用得到的能源小分子,还包括淀粉和蛋白质等生物基大分子.在自然光合作用中,高等植物、绿藻和蓝细菌首先利用太阳能将水氧化放出氧气并产生还原型辅...     

Electrocatalytic Production of C3‐C4 Compounds by Conversion of CO2 on a Chloride‐Induced Bi‐Phasic Cu2O‐Cu Catalyst

Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has recently received considerable attention as one of the most feasible CO₂ utilization techniques. In particular, copper and copper‐derived catalysts have exhibited the ability to produce a number of organic molecules from CO₂. Herein, we report a chloride (Cl)‐induced bi‐phasic cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) and metallic copper (Cu) electrode (Cu₂O_Cl) as an efficient catalyst for the formation of high‐carbon organic molecules by CO₂ conversion, and identify the origin of electroselectivity toward the formation of high‐carbon organic compounds. The Cu₂O_Cl electrocatalyst results in the preferential formation of multi‐carbon fuels, including n‐propanol and n‐butane C3–C4 compounds. We propose that the remarkable electrocatalytic conversion behavior is due to the favorable affinity between the reaction intermediates and the catalytic surface.     

Efficient Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid: A Functionalized Ionic Liquid as an Absorbent and Electrolyte

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a potential method for production of fuels and chemicals from a C1 feedstock accumulated in the atmosphere. However, the low solubility of CO₂ in water, and complicated processes associated with capture and conversion, render CO₂ conversion inefficient. A new concept is proposed in which a PEC system is used to capture and convert CO₂ into formic acid. The process is assisted by an ionic liquid (1‐aminopropyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide) aqueous solution, which functions as an absorbent and electrolyte at ambient temperature and pressure. Within this PEC reduction strategy, the ionic liquid plays a critical role in promoting the conversion of CO₂ to formic acid and suppressing the reduction of H₂O to H₂. At an applied voltage of 1.7 V, the Faradaic efficiency for formic acid production is as high as 94.1 % and the electro‐to‐chemical efficiency is 86.2 %.     

Rational Design and Application of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Solar Fuel Production

Harnessing solar energy and converting it into renewable fuels by chemical processes, such as water splitting and carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction, is a highly promising yet challenging strategy to mitigate the effects arising from the global energy crisis and serious environmental concerns. In recent years, covalent organic framework (COF)-based materials have gained substantial research interest because of their diversified architecture, tunable composition, large surface area, and high thermal and chemical stability. Their tunable band structure and significant light absorption with higher charge separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers make them suitable candidates for photocatalytic applications in hydrogen (H₂) generation, CO₂ conversion, and various organic transformation reactions. In this article, we describe the recent progress in the topology design and synthesis method of COF-based nanomaterials by elucidating the structure-property correlations for photocatalytic hydrogen generation and CO₂ reduction applications. The effect of using various kinds of 2D and 3D COFs and strategies to control the morphology and enhance the photocatalytic activity is also summarized. Finally, the key challenges and perspectives in the field are highlighted for the future development of highly efficient COF-based photocatalysts.     

Photothermal catalysis for CO2 conversion

The conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels or chemical feedstocks is of great importance for achieving carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality. The harvesting and conversion of solar energy will provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source for human production and living. Very recently, photothermal catalysis has been proved to exhibit great advantages in reducing the reaction temperature, promoting the catalytic activity, and manipulating the reaction pathway in comparison with traditional thermal catalysis. In this review, we firstly introduced the fundamental mechanisms and categories of photothermal catalysis to understand the synergy or the difference between photochemical and thermochemical reaction pathways. Subsequently, the criteria and strategies for photothermal catalyst design are discussed in order to inspire the development of high-efficiency photothermal catalytic route by achieving intense absorption of broadband solar energy spectrum and high conversion capability of solar-to-heat. Recent progress in CO₂ reduction achieved by photothermal catalysis was summarized in terms of production types. In the end, the future challenges and perspectives of photothermal catalytic CO₂ reduction are presented. We hope that this review will not only deepen the understanding of photothermal catalysis, but also inspire the design, preparation and application of high-performance photothermal catalysts, aiming at alleviating non-renewable fossil energy consumption and carbon emissions for early carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality.     

2D Catalysts for CO2 Photoreduction: Discussing Structure Efficiency Strategies and Prospects for Scaled Production Based on Current Progress

Currently, the excessive consumption of fossil fuels is accompanied by massive emissions of CO₂, leading to severe energy shortages and intensified global warming. It is of great significance to develop and use renewable clean energy while reducing the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Photocatalytic technology is a promising strategy for carbon dioxide conversion. Clearly, the achievement of the above goals largely depends on the design and construction of catalysts. This review is mainly focused on the application of 2D materials for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. The contribution of synthetic strategies to their structure and performance is emphasized. Finally, the current challenges, and prospects of 2D materials for photoreduction of CO₂ with high efficiency, even for practical applications are discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide some guidance for the rational design, controllable synthesis of 2D materials, and their application for efficient photocatalytic CO₂ reduction.     

From Solar Energy to Fuels: Recent Advances in Light‐Driven C1 Chemistry

Catalytic C₁ chemistry based on the activation/conversion of synthesis gas (CO+H₂), methane, carbon dioxide, and methanol offers great potential for the sustainable development of hydrocarbon fuels to replace oil, coal, and natural gas. Traditional thermal catalytic processes used for C₁ transformations require high temperatures and pressures, thereby carrying a significant carbon footprint. In comparison, solar‐driven C₁ catalysis offers a greener and more sustainable pathway for manufacturing fuels and other commodity chemicals, although conversion efficiencies are currently too low to justify industry investment. In this Review, we highlight recent advances and milestones in light‐driven C₁ chemistry, including solar Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, the water‐gas‐shift reaction, CO₂ hydrogenation, as well as methane and methanol conversion reactions. Particular emphasis is placed on the rational design of catalysts, structure–reactivity relationships, as well as reaction mechanisms. Strategies for scaling up solar‐driven C₁ processes are also discussed.     

Optimization of equilibrium carbon dioxide methane reforming parameters by the Gibbs free energy minimization method

The thermodynamic equilibrium in the carbon dioxide conversion of methane is studied by Gibbs energy minimization. The curves that represent the dependences of the degree of coke formation, the content of methane and carbon dioxide in syngas, and the syngas module on the CO₂/CH₄ mole ratio in the initial mixture and on temperature at various pressures, are plotted. The regions in which the CO₂/CH₄ mole ratio is optimal for carbon dioxide conversion and no coke formation occurs, and which are characterized by a minimal content of methane and carbon dioxide in syngas, are revealed.     

An Overview of Metal-Organic Framework Based Electrocatalysts: Design and Synthesis for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution,Oxygen Evolution,and Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reactions

Due to the increasing global energy demands, scarce fossil fuel supplies, and environmental issues, the pursued goals of energy technologies are being sustainable, more efficient, accessible, and produce near zero greenhouse gas emissions. Electrochemical water splitting is considered as a highly viable and eco-friendly energy technology. Further, electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a cleaner strategy for CO₂ utilization and conversion to stable energy (fuels). One of the critical issues in these cleaner technologies is the development of efficient and economical electrocatalyst. Among various materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are becoming increasingly popular because of their structural tunability, such as pre- and post- synthetic modifications, flexibility in ligand design and its functional groups, and incorporation of different metal nodes, that allows for the design of suitable MOFs with desired quality required for each process. In this review, the design of MOF was discussed for specific process together with different synthetic methods and their effects on the MOF properties. The MOFs as electrocatalysts were highlighted with their performances from the aspects of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and electrochemical CO₂RR. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this field are discussed.     

Co‐Catalyst‐Free Chemical Fixation of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates by using Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is increasing at an alarming rate resulting in undesirable environmental issues. To mitigate this growing concentration of CO₂, selective carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) are being investigated intensively. However, CCS technology is considered as an expensive and energy‐intensive process. In this context, selective carbon capture and utilization (CCU) as a C1 feedstock to synthesize value‐added chemicals and fuels is a promising step towards lowering the concentration of the atmospheric CO₂ and for the production of high‐value chemicals. Towards this direction, several strategies have been developed to convert CO₂, a Greenhouse gas (GHG) into useful chemicals by forming C?N, C?O, C?C, and C?H bonds. Among the various CO₂ functionalization processes known, the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides has gained considerable interest owing to its 100% atom‐economic nature producing cyclic carbonates or polycarbonates in high yield and selectivity. Among the various classes of catalysts studied for cycloaddition of CO₂ to cyclic carbonates, porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained a special interest due to their modular nature facilitating the introduction of a high density of Lewis acidic (LA) and CO₂‐philic Lewis basic (LB) functionalities. However, most of the MOF‐based catalysts reported for cycloaddition of CO₂ to respective cyclic carbonates in high yields require additional co‐catalyst, say tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide (TBAB). On the contrary, the co‐catalyst‐free conversion of CO₂ using rationally designed MOFs composed of both LA and LB sites is relatively less studied. In this review, we provide a comprehensive account of the research progress in the design of MOF based catalysts for environment‐friendly, co‐catalyst‐free fixation of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates.     

Bioelectrosynthesis as an alternative to photosynthesis

The CO₂ reduction processes have been discussed as a way of designing an ecologically totally closed technology. An electric current and molecular hydrogen are the two related available agents that can be discussed as ecologically pure reductants. The most important products are liquid and gaseous fuels, the products of large-scale organic synthesis, monomers, and amino acids. For CO₂ reduction, the necessary energy consumption and H₂ costs were calculated. For complex organic molecules, amino acids for instance, the energy consumption does not make up the main portion of the costs. The biocatalytic systems of CO₂ reduction based on cryoimmobilized cells are described. Conversion of CO₂ into L-lysine with electrochemical decomposition of water was effected on the laboratory scale. A general unit for diverse technological processes can be a bioelectrosynthetic Index Entries: Bioelectrosynthesis; CO₂ reduction; liquid fuels; amino acids; immobilized cells; economic estimates. modulus, an electrochemical hydrogen generator coupled with a biocatalytic converter of hydrogen and oxygen. The systems for bioelectrosynthesis of motor fuels and essential amino acids have been economically estimated and characterized. The possibilities of combining the solar energy transformation and H₂–CO₂ conversion have been discussed.     

Water‐Splitting Catalysis and Solar Fuel Devices: Artificial Leaves on the Move

The development of new energy materials that can be utilized to make renewable and clean fuels from abundant and easily accessible resources is among the most challenging and demanding tasks in science today. Solar‐powered catalytic water‐splitting processes can be exploited as a source of electrons and protons to make clean renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, and in the sequestration of CO₂ and its conversion into low‐carbon energy carriers. Recently, there have been tremendous efforts to build up a stand‐alone solar‐to‐fuel conversion device, the “artificial leaf”, using light and water as raw materials. An overview of the recent progress in electrochemical and photo‐electrocatalytic water splitting devices is presented, using both molecular water oxidation complexes (WOCs) and nano‐structured assemblies to develop an artificial photosynthetic system.     

Power‐to‐Syngas: An Enabling Technology for the Transition of the Energy System?

Power‐to‐X concepts promise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously guaranteeing a safe energy supply even at high share of renewable power generation, thus becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable energy system. Power‐to‐syngas, that is, the electrochemical conversion of steam and carbon dioxide with the use of renewably generated electricity to syngas for the production of synfuels and high‐value chemicals, offers an efficient technology to couple different energy‐intense sectors, such as “traffic and transportation” and “chemical industry”. Syngas produced by co‐electrolysis can thus be regarded as a key‐enabling step for a transition of the energy system, which offers additionally features of CO₂‐valorization and closed carbon cycles. Here, we discuss advantages and current limitations of low‐ and high‐temperature co‐electrolysis. Advances in both fundamental understanding of the basic reaction schemes and stable high‐performance materials are essential to further promote co‐electrolysis.     

光催化CO2转化为碳氢燃料体系的综述

传统化石能源燃烧产生CO₂引起的地球变暖和能源短缺已经成为一个严重的全球性问题. 利用太阳光和光催化材料将CO₂还原为碳氢燃料, 不仅可以减少空气中CO₂浓度, 降低温室效应的影响, 还可以提供碳氢燃料, 缓解能源短缺问题, 因此日益受到各国科学家的高度关注. 本文综述了光催化还原CO₂为碳氢燃料的研究进展, 介绍了光催化还原CO₂的反应机理, 并对现阶段报道的光催化还原CO₂材料体系进行了整理和分类, 包括TiO₂光催化材料, ABO₃型钙钛矿光催化材料, 尖晶石型光催化材料, 掺杂型光催化材料, 复合光催化材料, V、W、Ge、Ga基光催化材料及石墨烯基光催化材料. 评述了各种材料体系的特点及光催化性能的一些影响因素. 最后对光催化还原CO₂的研究前景进行了展望.     

Recent progress in carbon-based materials boosting electrochemical water splitting

As environmental crises such as global warming become more and more serious due to the large amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the burning of fossil fuels, much attention has been paid to carbon neutrality. Hydrogen, with zero carbon content, is a clean and renewable energy carrier having a large energy density. It is considered as one of the most desirable alternatives to fossil fuels. Electrochemical water splitting, unlike the steam reforming process accelerating fossil fuels depletion and CO₂ emissions, can produce H₂ powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind. As a promising way to promote carbon neutralization, hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is meaningful both in terms of scientific research and practical application. In order to drive electrochemical water splitting with low power consumption, efficient, durable and affordable electrocatalysts with low overpotentials are in urgent need. Therefore, this mini-review briefly introduces the current development status and mainstream obstacles of carbon-based materials used in electrochemical water splitting.     

Remarkable carbon dioxide catalytic capture (CDCC) leading to solid-form carbon material via a new CVD integrated process (CVD-IP): An alternative route for CO2 sequestration

Through our newly-developed “chemical vapor deposition integrated process (CVD-IP)” using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the raw material and only carbon source introduced, CO₂ could be catalytically activated and converted to a new solid-form product, i.e., carbon nanotubes (CO₂-derived) at a quite high yield (the single-pass carbon yield in the solid-form carbon-product produced from CO₂ catalytic capture and conversion was more than 30% at a single-pass carbon-base). For comparison, when only pure carbon dioxide was introduced using the conventional CVD method without integrated process, no solid-form carbon-material product could be formed. In the addition of saturated steam at room temperature in the feed for CVD, there were much more end-opening carbon nano-tubes produced, at a slightly higher carbon yield. These inspiring works opened a remarkable and alternative new approach for carbon dioxide catalytic capture to solid-form product, comparing with that of CO₂ sequestration (CCS) or CO₂ mineralization (solidification), etc. As a result, there was much less body volume and almost no greenhouse effect for this solid-form carbon-material than those of primitive carbon dioxide.