Mo₂TiC₂ MXene-Supported Ru Clusters for Efficient Photothermal Reverse Water–Gas Shift

Abstract

Driving metal-cluster-catalyzed high-temperature chemical reactions by sunlight holds promise for the development of negative-carbon-footprint industrial catalysis, which has yet often been hindered by the poor ability of metal clusters to harvest and utilize the full spectrum of solar energy. Here, we report the preparation of Mo2TiC2 MXene-supported Ru clusters (Ru/Mo2TiC2) with pronounced broadband sunlight absorption ability and high sintering resistance. Under illumination of focused sunlight, Ru/Mo2TiC2 can catalyze the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction to produce carbon monoxide from the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen with enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability compared to their nanoparticle counterparts. Notably, the CO production rate of MXene-supported Ru clusters reached 4.0 mol·gRu –1·h–1, which is among the best reported so far for photothermal RWGS catalysts. Detailed studies suggest that the production of methane is kinetically inhibited by the rapid desorption of CO from the surface of the Ru clusters.

Photothermal catalytic C1 conversion on supported catalysts

“…6a). 68 These MXene-supported clusters exhibited remarkable photothermal conversion performance, with the surface temperature of Ru/Mo 2 TiC 2 rapidly reaching 360 °C within 30 seconds under sunlight. After 5 minutes of illumination, the CO production rate reached 3.9 mol g Ru −1 h −1 , accompanied by a CO selectivity of 90% (Fig.…”

Flexible MXene/Nanocellulose Composite Aerogel Film with Cellular Structure for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Photothermal Conversion

“…As previously reported, MXene nanosheets have been employed as photothermal agent in the area of medical treatment, 47−49 water purification, 50,51 and catalytic application. 52,53 Thanks to the outstanding light-to-heat conversion ability of MXene, the cellular MC−CS aerogel film can also be explored as a portable heater or thermotherapy device. The flexible MC−CS aerogel film was exposed to 808 nm NIR light, and the results of the photothermal performance evaluation are displayed in Figure 5.…”

Roles of MXenes in Photocatalysis

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 85 ] Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society. c) Scheme of synergistic photocatalytic–photothermal effect on MXene membrane for the recovery of Ag + ions and removal of RhB.…”

“…b) Schematic photothermal reverse water-gas shift for Mo 2 TiC 2 MXene-supported Ru clusters. Reproduced with permission [85]. Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society.…”