Ethanol photosynthesis from CO<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O via a formate intermediate pathway.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41876519.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-70789-2.
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Abstract
Photocatalytic CO<sub>2</sub>-to-ethanol conversion offers an interesting route for intermittent solar energy utilization. However, the performance is impeded by slow mass-transfer and high dimerization barrier (>1.0 eV) of *CO intermediates, coupled with a kinetic mismatch between the short-lived carriers and the 12 e⁻ reaction. Herein, we develop a Z-scheme Cu<sup>δ+</sup>O/floral-like BN photocatalyst that achieves CO<sub>2</sub>-to-ethanol conversion with near 100% selectivity. The photocatalyst utilizes the three-dimensional structure and alkaline surface of BN to concentrate CO<sub>2</sub> and directs transfer of long-lived carriers to unsaturated Cu⁺ sites, stabilizing them for flexible electron donation to the π* orbital of CO<sub>2</sub>. Enhanced ethanol photosynthesis activity/selectivity stems from a new pathway: CO<sub>2</sub> is first reduced to HCOOH at Cu<sup>δ+</sup>O sites, lowering the C-C coupling barrier to 0.44 eV. Liquid formate is then concentrated and protonated to C<sub>2</sub> precursor, minimizing side reactions for high selectivity. Here, we show the feasibility of selective ethanol photosynthesis and uncovers a new formate intermediate pathway.