Concentrated Solar Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to Carbon for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Key Points

• This study investigates a method for direct CO2 conversion utilizing concentrated solar energy without pre-enrichment processes.
• Utilized sunlight concentration to drive liquid metal catalytic conversion of CO2.
• Evaluated CO2 conversion across a concentration spectrum from 100% to ambient air conditions.
• Analyzed the product structure evolution and the competition between carbon deposition and oxide formation at low concentrations.
• At optimal conditions (100% CO2), the carbon electrode achieved a current density of 10 mA cm-2 with an overpotential of 750 mV, comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts (752 mV).
• Under atmospheric conditions (~400 ppm CO2), a metal oxide/carbon heterojunction was formed, with maintained catalytic activity despite conductivity challenges.
• The study confirms the feasibility of extracting carbon directly from thin air, suggesting broad adaptability across different CO2 sources.