Light, Heat and Electricity Integrated Energy Conversion System: Photothermal-Assisted Co-Electrolysis of CO2 and Methanol

Strategy that can design powerful photothermal-catalysts to achieve photothermal-effect assisted coupling-catalysis is much desired for the improvement of energy conversion efficiency and redox product value in CO2 electroreduction system. Herein, a kind of bifunctional viologen-containing covalent organic framework (Ni-2CBpy(2+)-COF) has been prepared and successfully applied in photothermal-assisted co-electrolysis of CO2 and methanol. Specifically, the FECO (cathode) and FEHCOOH (anode) for Ni-2CBpy(2+)-COF can reach up to approximate to 100 % at 1.9 V with approximate to 31.5 % saved overall electricity-consumption when the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is replaced by methanol oxidation. The superior performance could be attributed to the cyclic diquats in Ni-2CBpy(2+)-COF that enhance the photothermal effect (Delta T=49.1 degrees C) to accelerate faster charge transfer between catalyst and immediate species as well as higher selectivity towards desired products as revealed by DFT calculations and characterizations.

Automated summary

A bifunctional viologen-containing covalent organic framework has been designed and applied in the photothermal-assisted co-electrolysis of CO2 and methanol. The material shows excellent electrocatalytic activity and efficient photothermal effect, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency and product selectivity.