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Sun-simulated-driven production of high-purity methanol from carbon dioxide

Author

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  • Jiqing Jiao

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Yanbin Ma

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Xiaoqian Han

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Awu Ergu

    (Anhui University)

  • Chao Zhang

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Pingping Chen

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Wei Liu

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Qiquan Luo

    (Anhui University)

  • Zhaolin Shi

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Han Xu

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

  • Chen Chen

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yaguang Li

    (Hebei University)

  • Tongbu Lu

    (Tianjin University of Technology)

Abstract

CO2 conversion to CH3OH under mild conditions is of particular interest yet rather challenging. Both electro- and thermo-catalytic CO2 reduction to CH3OH can only produce CH3OH in low concentration (typically mixed with water), requiring energy-intensive purification processes. Here we design a sun-simulated-driven tandem catalytic system comprising CO2 electroreduction to syngas, and further photothermal conversion into high-purity CH3OH (volume fraction > 97%). We construct a self-supporting electrocatalyst featuring dual active sites of Ni single atoms and encapsulated Co nanoparticles, which could produce syngas with a constant H2:CO ratio of ~2 via solar-powered CO2 electroreduction. The generated syngas is subsequently fed into the photothermal module, which could produce high-purity CH3OH under 1 sun-light irradiation, with a rate of 0.238 gCH3OH gcat–1 h–1. This work demonstrates a feasible and sustainable route for directly converting CO2 into high-purity CH3OH.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiqing Jiao & Yanbin Ma & Xiaoqian Han & Awu Ergu & Chao Zhang & Pingping Chen & Wei Liu & Qiquan Luo & Zhaolin Shi & Han Xu & Chen Chen & Yaguang Li & Tongbu Lu, 2025. "Sun-simulated-driven production of high-purity methanol from carbon dioxide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56101-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56101-8
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