Efficient photothermal CO₂ methanation over NiFe alloy nanoparticles

The massive emissions of CO2 from the utilization of fossil fuels have caused a series of environmental issues and climate change. Driven by the fast development of green hydrogen and CO2 capture technologies, the hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals is becoming a promising process for the reduction of carbon footprint and the storage of renewable energy. Photothermal catalysis enables efficient CO2 conversion under mild conditions.

Home Nanotechnology Nanomaterials January 30, 2024 Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread Efficient photothermal CO₂ methanation over NiFe alloy nanoparticles by Science China Press The enhanced LSPR effect on NiFeAl for effective photothermal catalysis of CO2 methanation. Credit: Science China Press The massive emissions of CO2 from the utilization of fossil fuels have caused a series of environmental issues and climate change. Driven by the fast development of green hydrogen and CO2 capture technologies, the hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals is becoming a promising process for the reduction of carbon footprint and the storage of renewable energy. Photothermal catalysis enables efficient CO2 conversion under mild conditions. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1449240174198-2'); }); A study led by Prof. Kang Cheng (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University) and Prof. Ye Wang (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University) evaluated catalysts using a high-pressure fixed-bed reactor quartz reactor with a square cavity in the middle to introduce light. The study is published in the journal Science China Chemistry. A series of NiFe alloy photothermal catalysts were synthesized using the urea-assisted precipitation method for CO2 methanation, in which the bimetallic NiFe nanoparticles with Al2O3 as the structural promoter and Ni/Fe atomic ratio of 7 had the best catalytic performance. The CO2 conversion rate can reach 98%, the CH4 selectivity is 99% without external heating. The catalyst can operate stably for more than 100 hours. Compared with other catalysts, it was found that the small alloy particle size (~21 nm) and the unique layered structure of the NiFeAl catalyst could enhance the LSPR effect of NiFe alloy. Compared with Ni or Fe, NiFe alloys can promote CO2 methanation synergically. The temperature on the surface of the catalyst was detected to be as high as 356 °C under light irradiation observed by an infrared camera, indicating that the catalyst was able to efficiently convert light energy into heat energy. This paper not only prepared an efficient catalyst for CO2 methanation but also provided the idea for the structural design of a photothermal catalyst. More information: Jiarong Li et al, Efficient photothermal CO2 methanation over NiFe alloy nanoparticles with enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance effect, Science China Chemistry (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11426-023-1876-4 Provided by Science China Press Citation: Efficient photothermal CO₂ methanation over NiFe alloy nanoparticles (2024, January 30) retrieved 31 January 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-01-efficient-photothermal-co8322-methanation-nife.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Explore further As easy as counting to ten: A new rule for catalysts' design 5 shares Facebook Twitter Email Feedback to editors