Selective CO2-to-C2H6 Photoconversion Over the Electron-rich Au Anchored on In2O3 Nanosheets

Key Points

• The research aims to evaluate how electron-rich gold (Au) on In2O3 nanosheets affects CO2 photoconversion efficiency by altering thermodynamics.
• Utilization of electron-rich Au anchored on In2O3 nanosheets as a catalyst.
• Analysis of C-C coupling thermodynamics pre- and post-catalyst application.
• Formation of key intermediates, specifically *OCCO, investigated under photoconversion conditions.
• The thermodynamic barrier for C-C coupling decreased from 0.82 eV to -1.42 eV with the catalyst.
• Formation of the key intermediate (*OCCO) was promoted by the manipulated thermodynamics.
• Enhanced selectivity for ethane (C2H6) production from CO2 was observed.