The complexity of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), characterized by its intricate intermediates and multiple proton-coupled electron transfer processes, presents significant challenges in enhancing the reaction activity and product selectivity.
Recent advancements in the field of single-atom catalysts (SACs), particularly those utilizing nickel (Ni), have shown promising potential to overcome these hurdles. SACs offer several benefits, including high atom utilization, adjustable coordination structures, and exceptional catalytic performance. Nickel's unique electronic structure, predisposed to losing electrons and forming vacant outermost d-orbitals, is particularly advantageous for CO2RR, resulting in higher activity and selectivity for CO production.
In a comprehensive review published in "Industrial Chemistry and Materials" on January 9, 2024, a team of researchers from the East China University of Science and Technology, including Yuhang Li, Ziyan Yang, Rongzhen Chen, Ling Zhang, and Chunzhong Li, discussed the significant progress made in Ni SACs.
They explored three main strategies to enhance the catalytic performance of Ni SACs: varying support structures, regulating coordination structures, and modifying the catalyst surface. These approaches aim to improve the efficiency and selectivity of CO2 to CO conversion, addressing the twin challenges of the energy crisis and environmental pollution.
Yuhang Li, a professor at the East China University of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of designing novel catalysts to improve CO2RR's activity and selectivity. "Designing novel catalysts to improve the activity and selectivity of CO2RR is crucial for conquering the problem of energy crisis and environmental pollution," Li stated. The review emphasizes the role of SACs in controlling product distribution and reducing the costs associated with product separation, thanks to their downsizing of active sites to the atomic scale and their unique electronic structures.
The research points out that crystal-field theory has shed light on the significance of the d-orbital electronic configurations of central metals in CO2RR selectivity and activity. Nickel, in particular, facilitates efficient electron transfer and activation of CO2 molecules, thereby enhancing the selectivity towards CO production. Li further noted the continuous progress in Ni SACs, emphasizing the importance of the active center's electronic structure in catalytic performance.
Despite the advancements, the researchers acknowledge the vast potential for future development in Ni SACs, including precise microstructure modulation to provide more active sites and enhance performance. They also suggest optimizing electrolytic cells and developing new electrolyte types to broaden Ni SACs' application range and pave the way for large-scale commercialization.
This research has been supported by prestigious funding bodies, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project. The support underscores the significance and potential impact of developing effective Ni SACs for CO2RR on energy sustainability and environmental protection.
Through this review, the research team aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current progress in Ni SACs for CO2RR and to offer insights into the design and application of single-atom catalysts. The collaborative effort reflects a significant step forward in addressing global energy and environmental challenges, promising a more sustainable future through the innovative application of nickel single-atom catalysts.
Research Report:Recent progress in nickel single-atom catalysts for the electroreduction of CO2 to CO
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East China University of Science and Technology, China
Industrial Chemistry and Materials
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