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Vol. 17 (2025)

100% Conversion of CO2–CH4 with Non-Precious Co@ZnO Catalyst in Hot Water

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01711-6
Yang Yang
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
Xu Liu
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
Daoping He
China‑UK Low‑Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
Fangming Jin
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Fangming Jin

fmjin@sjtu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 17 (2025), Article Number: 216

Abstract

The combination of solar energy and natural hydrothermal systems will innovate the chemistry of CO2 hydrogenation; however, the approach remains challenging due to the lack of robust and cost-effective catalytic system. Here, Zn which can be recycled with solar energy-induced approach was chosen as the reductant and Co as catalyst to achieve robust hydrothermal CO2 methanation. Nanosheets of honeycomb ZnO were grown in situ on the Co surface, resulting in a new motif (Co@ZnO catalyst) that inhibits Co deactivation through ZnO-assisted CoOx reduction. The stabilized Co and interaction between Co and ZnO functioned collaboratively toward the full conversion of CO2–CH4. In situ hydrothermal infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of formic acid as an intermediate, thereby avoiding CO formation and unwanted side reaction pathways. This study presents a straightforward one-step process for both highly efficient CO2 conversion and catalyst synthesis, paving the way for solar-driven CO2 methanation.


Highlights:
1 The combination of solar energy and underground hydrothermal environment supports the sustained and efficient CH4 production from CO2.
2 Nanosheets of honeycomb ZnO were formed in-situ on the Co surface, resulting in a new motif (Co@ZnO catalyst) that inhibits Co deactivation through ZnO-assisted CoOx reduction.
3 The stabilized Co and interaction between Co and ZnO inhibited unwanted side reaction pathways via CO production, ensuring formic acid formed as an intermediate, leading to 100% CH4 yield.

Keywords

CO2 methanation Cobalt catalyst Hydrothermal Formic acid Co@ZnO catalyst
Yang, Yang, Xu Liu, Daoping He, and Fangming Jin. 2025. “100% Conversion of CO2–CH4 With Non-Precious Co@ZnO Catalyst in Hot Water”. Nano-Micro Letters 17 (April):216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01711-6.
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