A new photocatalyst developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University offers an environmentally efficient method to convert greenhouse gases into chemicals using solar energy; This is a major advance in sustainable chemical production.

A new photocatalyst called Rh/InGaN_1-xHE_X It is a nanoarchitecture consisting of rhodium nanoparticles attached to oxygen-modified indium gallium nitride nanowires grown on silicon substrates. Under concentrated sunlight, this composite material exhibits outstanding performance for dry reforming of methane (DRM) with CO₂Syngas emission rate of 180.9 mmol g cat was achieved^-one hour^-one It has a selectivity of 96.3%. This is a significant improvement over traditional catalytic systems, which often require high energy costs and are quickly decommissioned.

“Our study represents a major step forward in solving the twin challenges of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy production,” said lead researcher Professor Baowen Zhou of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. “By using the power of solar energy and rationally designed nanoarchitecture, we have demonstrated an environmentally friendly and efficient way to convert waste gases into valuable chemical resources.”

Synergistic effects and mechanisms

The researchers attribute the remarkable performance of their photocatalyst to a synergistic effect resulting from the integration of photoactive InGaN nanowires, an oxygen-modified surface, and catalytically active rhodium nanoparticles. Mechanistic studies have shown that associated oxygen atoms play a critical role in promoting CO activation.₂It helps in the formation of CO and suppresses the deactivation of the catalyst due to coking.

The results of this research, published in the prestigious journal Science Bulletin, pave the way for the development of advanced photocatalytic systems for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals from renewable sources. The team believes their approach can be extended to other important chemical reactions and offer new opportunities to green the chemical industry.

“We are excited about the future of this technology,” said Professor Baowen Zhou. “By further optimizing the catalyst design and reactor configuration, we aim to scale up the process and demonstrate its feasibility for practical applications.”