Electrocatalytic syngas and photocatalytic long-chain hydrocarbon productions by CO2 reduction over ZnO and Zn-based electrodes

Direct electrocatalytic syngas (CO and H2) production has been attracted as a strategy for energy and environmental solution. Herein, Zn and ZnO nanorod (ZnONR)-based catalysts were demonstrated to show promising performance in syngas production by electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. The H2/CO ratio was optimally tuned by surface modification, applied potentials, electrolytes, and Pt-deposition. ZnONR was observed to be commonly reduced to metallic Zn accompanying surface reconstruction during CO2 reduction. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction was also tested to observe CO, CH4, CH3OH, and some organic compounds. We report here a mimic of Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis can be achieved at ambient temperature by direct photocatalytic CO2 reduction to produce long chain hydrocarbons of CnH2n and CnH2n+2 (up to C7 compounds). Alkenes were observed to be predominant, compared with alkanes unlike the results reported in the literatures. The very unique results provide valuable information on the development of CO2 reduction electrocatalysts and photocatalysts for energy and environment.

Automated summary

Direct electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2 reduction for syngas and long chain hydrocarbons synthesis is of great significance for energy and environmental solutions.