CuO@Cu@NiAl-LDH with Cu/Cu Valence Synergy and Core-Shell Structure for Highly Selective Generation of CH.

Photocatalytic CO reduction to produce C products remains a challenge. Herein, CuO@Cu@NiAl-LDH composites with three-dimensional ordered core-shell structures were successfully prepared, and the effects of CuO with different exposed surfaces on CO photoreduction were investigated. The synergistic effect of zero-valent Cu and Cu as intermediate electron mediators retains more photogenerated electrons and the Z-scheme heterojunction formed between CuO and NiAl-LDH leads to the enhancement of C selectivity.

Bismuth-Metal and Carbon Quantum Dot Co-Doped NiAl-LDH Heterojunctions for Promoting the Photothermal Catalytic Reduction of CO.

The quest for sustainable photocatalytic CO reduction reactions (CRR) emphasizes the development of high-efficiency, economically viable, and durable photocatalysts. A novel approach involving the synthesis of Bi-CDs/LDH heterojunctions, incorporating plasma metals and carbon quantum dots via hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods, yields remarkable results. The optimized BCL-4 photocatalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, with CH and CH yields of 1.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reducing carbon dioxide (CO) to hydrocarbon fuels.

MOF-based photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) using CO as an electron donor offers a green, clean, and extensible way to make hydrocarbon fuels under more tolerant conditions. Herein, basic principles of PEC reduction of CO and the preparation methods and characterization techniques of MOF-based materials are summarized. Furthermore, three applications of MOFs for improving the photoelectrocatalytic performance of CO reduction are described: (i) as photoelectrode alone; (ii) as a co-catalyst of semiconductor photoelectrode or as a substrate for loading dyes, quantum dots, and other co-catalysts; (iii) as one of the components of heterojunction structure.

Research progress on photocatalytic reduction of CO based on ferroelectric materials.

Transforming CO into renewable fuels or valuable carbon compounds could be a practical means to tackle the issues of global warming and energy crisis. Photocatalytic CO reduction is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and offers a broader range of potential applications than other CO conversion techniques. Ferroelectric materials, which belong to a class of materials with switchable polarization, are attractive candidates as catalysts due to their distinctive and substantial impact on surface physical and chemical characteristics.

Preparation of activated carbon from coconut shell chars in pilot-scale microwave heating equipment at 60 kW.

Experiments to prepare activated carbon by microwave heating indicated that microwave energy can decrease reaction temperature, save the energy and shorten processing time remarkably compared to conventional heating, owing to its internal and volumetric heating effects. The above results were based on the laboratory-scale experiments. It is desirable to develop a pilot-scale microwave heating equipment and investigate the parameters with the aim of technological industrialization.