An Efficient Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Nickel Catalyst for the Light Driven Methanation of CO2

We report the synthesis of a highly active and stable metal-organic framework derived Ni-based catalyst for the photothermal reduction of CO2 to CH4. Through the controlled pyrolysis of MOF-74 (Ni), the nature of the carbonaceous species and therefore photothermal performance can be tuned. CH4 production rates of 488 mmol g(-1) h(-1) under UV-visible-IR irradiation are achieved when the catalyst is prepared under optimized conditions. No particle aggregation or significant loss of activity were observed after ten consecutive reaction cycles or more than 12 hours under continuous flow configuration. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we performed an outdoor experiment under ambient solar irradiation, demonstrating the potential of our catalyst to reduce CO2 to CH4 using only solar energy.

Automated summary

This study presents a highly active and stable Ni-based catalyst derived from a metal-organic framework for the photothermal reduction of CO2 to CH4. The catalyst can be tuned by controlling the pyrolysis process of MOF-74 (Ni), achieving high CH4 production rates under UV-visible-IR irradiation. The catalyst shows no significant loss of activity after multiple reaction cycles and hours of continuous operation, demonstrating its potential for reducing CO2 to CH4 using solar energy in outdoor environments.