Insights into the role of CuO in the CO2 photoreduction process

Author(s)

Nogueira, Andre E. ^{[1, 2]} ; Oliveira, Jessica A. ^{[2, 3]} ; da Silva, Gelson T. S. T. ^{[4, 2]} ; Ribeiro, Caue ^{[2, 5]}

Affiliation

^[1] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Nanotechnol Natl Lab LNNano, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Embrapa Instrumentat, Rua 15 Novembro, 1452, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem Engn, Via Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, Via Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[5] Forschungszentrum Julich, Inst Energie & Klimaforsch IEK 3, Elektrochem Verfahrenstech, D-52425 Julich - Germany

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 9, FEB 4 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The CO2 photoreduction process to produce light hydrocarbons is known to be influenced by the presence of CuO nanoparticles, but the actual role of this material, whether as a catalyst or a reactant, has not yet been revealed. In this work, we investigate the role of CuO nanoparticles produced by a solvothermal method as a catalyst in CO2-saturated water reaction media under UV light, considering the effects of different electrolytes (Na2C2O4, KBrO3, and NaOH) and temperatures on nanoparticle phase and activity. The electrolyte strongly influenced product selectivity (NaOH led to evolution of CH4, Na2C2O4 to CO, and KBrO3 to O-2) and induced CuO phase change. A long-term analysis of these processes indicated that during the initial steps, CuO acted as a reactant, rather than as a catalyst, and was converted to CuCO3 center dot Cu(OH)(2), while the as-converted material acted as a catalyst in CO2 photoreduction, with conversion values comparable to those reported in the literature. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09746-3 - Electro-/Photoelectrocatalysis Reduction of CO2: Efficiency, Selectivity and Oscillatory Kinetics
• Grantee: Osmando Ferreira Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/21515-7 - Development of magnesium oxide with zinc and titanium heterostructure for application in artificial photosynthesis processes
• Grantee: Juliana Arriel Torres
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/09014-7 - STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL OF NANO-HETEROSTRUCTURE OF COPPER AND NIOBIUM OXIDE FOR USE IN ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS
• Grantee: André Esteves Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/14330-8 - Studies in the synthesis and application of semiconducting nanocrystal heterostructures in artificial photosynthetic processes
• Grantee: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants