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Researchers using a supercomputer to find a group "single-atom catalysts" that could help in tackling global warming and turning carbon dioxide into energy could make it possible for researchers to get closer to their goal.
QUT's Centre for Materials Science was led by Associate Professor Liangzhi Kou. They were part of an international research that used theoretical modeling to identify six metals (nickel and niobium), palladium, rose, rhenium, ruby, rhodium and zirconium that could be used to convert carbon dioxide to clean, sustainable energy.
Researchers from QUT, Professor Aijun Du, Yuantong Gu, and Dr. Lin Ju participated in the Nature Communications study.
Professor Kou stated that the research was done by modeling the experiments with the National Computational Infrastructure of the Australian National University. This model looked at how single atoms from the metals would react to two-dimensional pieces made of "ferroelectric".
Ferroelectric materials can have a positive or negative charge on one side and reverse this polarization when voltage is applied.
The researchers discovered that by adding the atoms of the catalyst metal to ferroelectric material, they could convert the greenhouse gas into a chemical fuel.
The state will still be able to work as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide once the polarity has been reversed.
Professor Kou stated that, while single-atom catalytic devices for reducing carbon dioxide were proposed ten years ago, this research is a significant step forward.
"We have created a special chemical catalyst that can convert CO2 into the desired chemical fuels. Professor Kou stated that it is possible to control the conversion efficiency using a practical approach.
It means that we have for the first time the ability to speed up, slow down, or even switch the chemical reaction.
"Carbon dioxide is the primary reason for global warming due the greenhouse effect. To convert it into chemical fuels is important not only for our environment, but also to solve the energy crisis.
Dr. Ju was the first to publish the study. He stated that the research provided guidance for the development of novel catalysts that could have significant impact on the chemical industry.
Professor Kou stated that the long-term goal of this research area was to discover ways to turn carbon dioxide into clean energy sources.
Professor Kou stated that the research could lead to the development of a coating for engines and industrial systems that convert carbon dioxide to an alternative to releasing it into the atmosphere.
Researchers at QUT are from the School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering and School of Chemistry and Physics.
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Lin Ju et al., Controllable CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction via Ferroelectric Switching on Single Atom Anchored In2Se3 Monolayer, Nature Communications (2021). Information from Nature Communications Lin Ju et al. Controllable CO2 electrocatalytic decrease via ferroelectric switch on single atom anchored in In2Se3 monolayer. (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25426-5
