Nano-sandwich photocathode improves solar conversion of CO₂ into ethanol
Czech researchers at Charles University in Prague, led by Pavla Eliášová, have developed an advanced photocathode that helps convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into pure ethanol using sunlight. The new technology solves a long-standing problem of material degradation in water, achieves record conversion efficiency and opens the way toward sustainable production of green fuels. The paper is…
Czech researchers at Charles University in Prague have created a groundbreaking photocathode that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into ethanol using sunlight. Led by Pavla Eliášová, the team overcame the issue of material degradation in water by developing a unique "nano-sandwich" structure. This consists of cuprous oxide combined with advanced two-dimensional materials called MXenes, and a thin layer of titanium dioxide.
The MXenes help to drain electric charge from the cuprous oxide, preventing its rapid degradation and allowing it to remain active for extended periods. Laboratory tests revealed a record conversion efficiency of 2.74% from solar energy to ethanol, with the added benefit of producing only pure ethanol as the single liquid product.
The researchers aim to further enhance the stability of the photocathode and test it at a larger scale under real daylight conditions. This innovation represents a significant advancement in the field of green chemistry and sustainable fuel production.
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