A research team led by Professor Daiqi Ye at South China University of Technology has published a groundbreaking study in ACS Catalysis on the photothermal catalytic CO₂ reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The study designed a photothermal catalytic system based on concentrated solar power to efficiently drive the CO₂ RWGS reaction, converting CO₂ into CO fuel. The team developed a novel Ni−C−In (Ni/C−In₂O₃) catalyst, achieving high activity and stability under simulated sunlight (1521.9 mW/cm²) and natural sunlight through carbon doping and nickel cluster modification. Experimental results showed that the catalyst achieved 100% CO selectivity and a CO production rate of 20.96 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ without external heating (relying solely on photothermal effects), with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 26%. Combining quasi-in situ XPS and DFT calculations, the study revealed that the asymmetric interaction between carbon and nickel clusters optimizes the catalyst's electronic structure, lowering the energy barriers of key reaction steps, providing new insights for photothermal catalyst design.
No.1 Synergistic Catalytic Mechanism
The interstitial carbon formed by carbon doping in the Ni−C−In catalyst creates an asymmetric interaction with nickel clusters. DFT calculations confirmed that this structure enhances light absorption, optimizes H₂ dissociation and CO₂ activation processes, and reduces the energy barriers for HCOO formation and dehydrogenation in the RWGS reaction, approaching thermodynamic equilibrium limits.
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No.2 Sulfur Resistance and Practical Application Potential
The catalyst maintains high activity in SO₂-containing atmospheres (with only a 15% drop in CO production rate) and demonstrates stability during two consecutive days of natural sunlight testing, validating its feasibility for large-scale solar fuel production.
No.3 High-Efficiency Concentrated Solar Catalytic System
A Fresnel lens-based concentrated solar device was designed to focus simulated sunlight (44.6 mW/cm²) to 1521.9 mW/cm², achieving localized high temperatures (352–417°C) on the catalyst surface, significantly improving CO₂ conversion (33.26%) and solar utilization efficiency (26%).
Figure 1. Comparison of photothermal CO₂ conversion under different conditions: (a) In₂O₃-based catalysts with varying carbon content; (b) Ni-based catalysts with different Ni loadings; (c) Performance of Ni/C−In₂O₃ under different light intensities (inset: infrared camera-recorded temperature distribution); (d) Thermal catalytic CO₂ conversion curves for Ni/In₂O₃ and Ni/C−In₂O₃; (e) Effect of SO₂ on photothermal CO₂ conversion; (f) Catalyst performance comparison; (g, h) Photothermal parameters (CO₂ conversion, temperature, light intensity) of Ni/C−In₂O₃ under natural sunlight over two consecutive days (inset: natural sunlight experimental setup).
Figure 2. SEM and TEM characterization of the catalyst: (a) In₂O₃; (b, d, e) Ni/In₂O₃; (c, f, g) Ni/C−In₂O₃; (h) HAADF-STEM image of Ni/C−In₂O₃ and brightness intensity profiles of selected regions (A, B); (k–o) TEM-EDX elemental mapping of Ni/C−In₂O₃.
Figure 3. XPS and XAFS analysis of the catalyst: (a) C 1s; (b) O 1s; (c) Ni 2p XPS spectra; (d) Ni K-edge XANES spectra; (e) FT-XAFS spectra; (f) FT-XAFS fitting curves for Ni/In₂O₃ and Ni/C−In₂O₃; (g–i) Wavelet transform (WT) of Ni/C−In₂O₃, Ni/In₂O₃, and Ni foil.
Figure 4. Quasi-in situ XPS analysis: (a) C 1s; (b) O 1s; (c) Ni 2p spectra on Ni/C−In₂O₃; (d–f) Trends in surface species changes for Ni/C−In₂O₃ and Ni/In₂O₃ after H₂ reduction and CO₂ hydrogenation reactions.
Figure 5. DFT calculation results: (a) Charge density difference and Bader charge analysis for Ni/In₂O₃ and Ni/C−In₂O₃; (b) Work function of Ni/C−In₂O₃; (c) Comparison of H₂ dissociation energy barriers; (d, e) Reaction pathways and energy barriers for CO₂ hydrogenation to CO.
For outdoor concentrated solar systems, periodic variations in weather conditions and Earth's rotation can cause significant fluctuations in light intensity distribution on the catalyst surface. Thus, during experimental phases, having a light source capable of delivering ultra-high, stable light intensity across a broad spectral range is critical. The PLS-SME400E H1 Xenon Light Source from PerfectLight Technology is an ideal solution, providing robust support for photothermal catalysis research.
No.1 Ultra-High Light Intensity Output
The PLS-SME400E H1 Xenon Light Source is equipped with a 100 W bulb, delivering exceptional light intensity to easily meet experimental requirements. This high-intensity output not only enhances catalyst activity but also generates substantial thermal energy to drive the reaction. For photothermal catalysis experiments requiring intense light, the PLS-SME400E H1 is an ideal choice.
No.2 Full Spectral Coverage
The PLS-SME400E H1 offers a broad spectral output from 320–780 nm, extendable to 320–2500 nm, covering all wavelengths needed for photothermal catalysis. With filters, it can provide UV, visible, near-infrared, and narrowband light. Its ultra-high intensity ensures 55 W in the visible range and 6 W in the UV range, making it suitable for both wavelength-specific excitation and full-spectrum studies.
No.3 Stable Light Output
To ensure experimental accuracy, the PLS-SME400E H1 employs advanced optical feedback technology to monitor and adjust output stability in real time. It maintains a cycle instability of below ±3% over 8 hours, enabling consistent high-intensity output for analyzing catalyst activity, reaction rates, and product selectivity, facilitating mechanistic studies.
No.4 Smart Control Features
The PLS-SME400E H1 integrates timer shutdown and computer control, offering researchers an intelligent user experience. Simple settings enable automated operation, while remote monitoring and parameter adjustment streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
Final Remarks
Photothermal catalysis is emerging as a key technology for efficient solar energy utilization. The PLS-SME400E H1, with its ultra-high intensity and stability, provides powerful support for this field. As research advances, photothermal catalysis will play an increasingly vital role in energy applications, with PerfectLight driving its progress.
Reference
S Mo, S Li, J Zhou, Asymmetric Interaction between Carbon and Ni-Cluster in Ni–C–In Photothermal Catalysts for Point-Concentrated Solar-Driven CO₂ Reverse Water–Gas Shift Reaction, ACS Catalysis, 2025, 15, 4, 2796–2808.
