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Researchers led by Prof. Vivek Polshettiwar at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have developed a highly efficient copper-based catalyst, DFNS/TiO2-Cu, for converting CO2 to CO, achieving a remarkable CO productivity of 5350 mmol g−1 h−1 and 99.8% selectivity. This catalyst demonstrated stability for over 200 hours, with insights from in-situ studies revealing the critical role of defect sites in enhancing metal-support interactions. The study highlights the growing concern over CO2 emissions, which have surpassed 400 ppm, adversely affecting the climate. While noble metal catalysts have historically been favored, their high costs and limited performance have restricted their application, making non-noble metal catalysts like copper desirable alternatives. A significant challenge with copper is its tendency to sinter during reactions due to its low Tammann temperature, compromising stability. The innovative design of DFNS/TiO2-Cu, featuring active copper on a titanium oxide-coated nanosilica support, allows for optimal dispersion and stability of copper nanoparticles. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the defects within the catalyst structure enhance strong metal-support interactions, pointing to a promising future for catalytic systems that leverage both active sites and defect engineering. This breakthrough paves the way for cost-effective and efficient CO2 reduction technologies.
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