Scientists have developed a new catalyst that can turn sunlight and CO2 into hydrogen fuel with a 60x boost in efficiency. The breakthrough, led by researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo and Hiroshima University, could significantly contribute to addressing global energy challenges.
The catalyst, which is based on lead-based oxyhalides, was redesigned at the nanoscale to achieve its remarkable performance gain. The new method produces highly porous particles with a surface area of approximately 40 m2g−1, compared to conventional particles with a surface area of 2.5 m2g−1.
The catalyst’s structure was modified using a low-temperature, microwave-assisted synthesis process that avoids introducing structural defects typically found in smaller particles. This resulted in fewer charge carriers being lost to recombination, making them more likely to participate in fuel-generating reactions.
The researchers achieved a record-high quantum yield of approximately 15% for hydrogen production and a promising 10% for converting CO2 into formic acid, a liquid fuel. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of innovative materials that help address global energy challenges.
This breakthrough is part of a growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions, which harness sunlight and other renewable resources to produce fuels and electricity. The discovery of new catalysts like this one could pave the way for more efficient and effective energy production methods in the future.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/catalyst-smashes-solar-fuel-records