Major advancement in sustainable syngas production using solar power
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 08, 2024

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a novel photocatalyst, Rh/InGaN1-xOx, that uses solar energy to efficiently convert greenhouse gases into syngas. This nanoarchitecture combines rhodium nanoparticles with oxygen-modified indium gallium nitride nanowires, showing a syngas evolution rate of 180.9 mmol gcat-1 h-1 and a selectivity of 96.3%. This method offers a major enhancement over traditional catalytic processes which are energy-intensive and prone to quick deactivation.

"Our work represents a major step forward in addressing the dual challenges of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy production," said Prof. Baowen Zhou, the lead researcher from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. "By leveraging the power of solar energy and rationally designed nanoarchitecture, we have demonstrated a green and efficient route for converting waste gases into valuable chemical resources."

The team credits the high performance of their photocatalyst to the synergistic effects of the photo-active InGaN nanowires and the catalytically active rhodium nanoparticles. Their studies indicate that the oxygen atoms incorporated into the catalyst are key in enhancing CO2 activation and in preventing catalyst degradation.

Published in Science Bulletin, their research could lead to more advanced systems for producing fuels and chemicals sustainably. "We are excited about the prospects of this technology," added Prof. Zhou. "By further optimizing the catalyst design and reactor configuration, we aim to scale up the process and demonstrate its viability for practical applications."

Research Report:Rh/InGaN1-xOx nanoarchitecture for light-driven methane reforming with carbon dioxide toward syngas

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School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
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