Indexed by:Journal Papers

Date of Publication:2021-04-12

Journal:CHEM

Volume:6

Issue:12

Page Number:3312-3328

ISSN No.:2451-9294

Abstract:Synergy between plasma and catalysis has long been recognized, but efforts to improve synergy and energy efficiency remain both highly desirable and challenging. Herein, beta-Mo2C nanorods were coupled with non-thermal plasma (NTP) to catalyze selective CO2 reduction to CO by H-2 or CH4. Unprecedented catalytic activity and selectivity were achieved without additional thermal input, and the turnover frequency (TOF) was an order of magnitude higher than that obtained during thermal catalysis. The porous-structured beta-Mo2C nanorods not only possessed large accessible surfaces but also facilitated charge deposition to generate a strong local electric field when NTP was coupled. The interplay between beta-Mo2C nanorods and NTP boosted the synergy and energy efficiency: the TOF and CO specific energy yield were 1.4-2 times and similar to 10 times higher, respectively, than those of beta-Mo2C nanoparticles. This strategy of coupling regularly shaped catalytic materials with NTP provides new opportunities to improve the efficiency of plasma-assisted catalytic processes.