Dual-function ZnO/CeO2 photocatalyst for simultaneous methane decomposition and CO2 adsorption at room temperature

A dual-function ZnO/CeO 2 photocatalyst effectively decomposes methane and captures CO 2 at room temperature. Synthesized using an oxalate-based co-precipitation method, the composite achieved near-complete methane decomposition and adsorbed the resulting CO 2 , thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of greenhouse gas reduction. This innovative approach addresses both methane and CO 2 emissions, providing a sustainable pathway for environmental remediation under ambient conditions. • Novel ZnO/CeO 2 achieves near-complete methane decomposition at room temperature. • Enhanced charge separation and CH 4 adsorption boost photocatalytic activity. • Dual function: Methane decomposition and CO 2 capture under ambient conditions. • Simple oxalate-based co-precipitation yields stable and reusable photocatalyst. Climate change mitigation urgently requires innovative approaches to address multiple greenhouse gases simultaneously. This study introduces a novel ZnO/CeO 2 composite photocatalyst that demonstrates high efficiency in methane decomposition under ambient conditions, while also exhibiting CO 2 capture capabilities. Synthesized via an oxalate-based co-precipitation method, the ZnO/CeO 2 composite achieved near-complete methane decomposition (from 100 to 4 ppm) within 180 min of UV irradiation at room temperature and ambient pressure. Notably, the ZnO/CeO 2 composite showed significantly enhanced methane adsorption capacity compared to pure ZnO or CeO 2 , which directly contributed to its superior methane decomposition performance. This increased adsorption ability, combined with efficient charge separation at the ZnO/CeO 2 interface, facilitates the rapid and effective decomposition of methane molecules. Furthermore, the composite exhibited simultaneous CO 2 adsorption capacity. The CO 2 generated from the methane decomposition was largely adsorbed by the ZnO/CeO 2 composite, as evidenced by the low detection of CO 2 in the gas phase during the reaction. This dual functionality of enhanced methane decomposition and subsequent CO 2 capture represents an integrated approach for greenhouse gas reduction. This work not only advances the field of greenhouse gas mitigation but also introduces a new paradigm for designing multifunctional environmental remediation materials.