Triboelectric Plasma CO2 Reduction Reaching a Mechanical Energy Conversion Efficiency of 2.3%

Mechanical energy-induced CO2 reduction is a promising strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously harvesting mechanical energy. Unfortunately, the low energy conversion efficiency is still an open challenge. Here, multiple-pulse, flow-type triboelectric plasma with dual functions of harvesting mechanical energy and driving chemical reactions is introduced to efficiently reduce CO2. CO selectivity of 92.4% is achieved under normal temperature and pressure, and the CO and O-2 evolution rates reach 12.4 and 6.7 mu mol h(-1), respectively. The maximum energy conversion efficiencies of 2.3% from mechanical to chemical energy and 31.9% from electrical to chemical energy are reached. The low average electron energy in triboelectric plasma and vibrational excitation dissociation of CO2 with low barrier is revealed by optical emission spectra and plasma simulations, which enable the high energy conversion efficiency. The approach of triboelectric plasma reduction reported here provides a promising strategy for efficient utilization of renewable and dispersed mechanical energy.

Automated summary

The triboelectric plasma method efficiently reduces CO2 emissions and achieves high energy conversion efficiency by harvesting mechanical energy and driving chemical reactions. The low average electron energy in the plasma and the low barrier for vibrational excitation dissociation of CO2 are key factors.