CO₂ is not only the "culprit" behind global warming but can also be transformed into clean energy methane! Recently, a joint team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, and McGill University in Canada published a groundbreaking study in Advanced Science. For the first time, multiple alloy components were combined with gallium nitride nanowires to create an efficient "photo-thermal coupling catalytic system". Under external heating and white light irradiation at 3 W/cm2 and 290°C, the conversion rate of carbon dioxide to methane was increased to 199 mmol·g-1·h-1 with a selectivity of up to 93%! This technology offers new ideas for achieving carbon neutrality.
No.1 Directly Addressing the Core Issue
Traditional CO₂ to methane conversion requires high temperature and pressure, relies on precious metals (such as ruthenium, platinum), which are costly and prone to producing by-products.
No.2 Innovative Breakthroughs
Material Innovation: Using iron-nickel-chromium-manganese-cobalt multicomponent alloy (MCA), eliminating the need for precious metals, and optimizing catalytic performance through synergistic effects of elements.
Photo-thermal Dual Drive: Gallium nitride nanowires (GaN NWs) act like "solar cells + electric blankets", generating electricity from ultraviolet light and heat from visible/infrared light, efficiently activating CO₂ and hydrogen for the reaction.
Figure 1 (a) Top view of gallium nitride nanowires; (b) 25° tilted image of MCA-modified GaN NWs supported on silicon wafer
Outstanding Performance: Continuous operation for 120 hours, methane production exceeding 20,000 times the molar amount of catalyst, with excellent stability. Significantly reduced energy consumption; 3 W/cm2 light irradiation + 290°C heating can drive the reaction, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional thermal catalysis.
No.3 High-Efficiency Solar Concentration Catalytic System
Designed a Fresnel lens-based solar concentrator that focuses simulated sunlight (44.6 mW/cm2) to 1521.9 mW/cm2, achieving localized high temperatures on the catalyst surface (352–417°C), which significantly enhances CO₂ conversion efficiency (33.26%) and solar energy utilization efficiency (26%).
Principle of Technology: How do sunlight and heat "turn stones into gold"?
No.1 "Light Collector" GaN Nanowires
Absorb the full spectrum of sunlight, with ultraviolet light exciting electrons and infrared converting into heat, providing dual energy sources for the reaction.
No.2 "Activation Master" Multicomponent Alloy
Five metals synergistically modulate electronic structure, strongly adsorb CO₂ and hydrogen, lower reaction barriers, and precisely generate methane rather than by-products.
No.3 "Ultimate Conversion"
CO₂ is first adsorbed as key intermediates (such as *HCOO), then undergoes multi-step hydrogenation to finally "transform" into pure methane.
Figure 2 Free energy diagram of CO₂ reduction on MCA
Future Applications: Turning CO₂ Waste into Treasure!
No.1 Environmental Protection
Direct capture of CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases and conversion into green methane fuel, contributing to carbon cycling.
No.2 Energy Transition
Methane as a clean energy storage, compatible with existing natural gas infrastructure, addressing the intermittency of wind and solar power.
No.3 Cost Advantage
Eliminating reliance on precious metals, reducing material costs, suitable for large-scale promotion.
PoFellai Technology has recently launched the PLR RVTF-PM Micro Gas-Solid Phase Catalytic Reaction Evaluation Device, providing a platform for systematic research on photo-thermal catalytic reactions. This device features a compact, desktop design, occupying minimal space, and is convenient for laboratory flexible setup.
The device adopts efficient light-guiding technology with built-in light transmission structures, greatly enhancing the illumination efficiency of the light source and the light absorption area of the catalyst, meeting the requirements of gas-solid reactions under photo-thermal synergy. It is easy to operate, with a removable reactor. Supports intelligent IoT connectivity, with remote control and automated process functions, making operation flexible and efficient.
For more information about this product, please call 400-1161-365.
References
M. S. Nasir, Y. Zhao, H. Ye, J. Li, P. Wang, D. Wang, X. Wang, J. Song, Z. Huang, B. Zhou, Unlocking Methane Generation via Photo-Thermal-Coupled CO₂ Hydrogenation by Integrating FeNiCrMnCo Multicomponent Alloy with GaN Nanowires. Adv. Sci. 2025, 2501298. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202501298
