Efficient CO2 Conversion through a Novel Dual-Fiber Reactor System

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10274
• Publication Date: 2024-07-27T14:00:37Z
• Authors: Tzu-Heng Wang; YenJung Sean Lai; Cheng-Kuo Tsai; Han Fu; Ruey-An Doong; Paul Westerhoff; Bruce E. Rittmann

Carbon dioxide (CO2) can be converted to valuable organic chemicals using light irradiation and photocatalysis. Today, light-energy loss, poor conversion efficiency, low quantum efficiency (QE) hamper the application of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed an efficient reactor platform for producing formic acid (HCOOH) by coating iron-based metal–organic framework (Fe-MOF) onto side-emitting polymeric optical fibers (POFs) hollow-fiber membranes (HFMs) deliver bubble-free CO2. The photocatalyst, Fe-MOF with amine-group (−NH2) decoration, provided exceptional dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) absorption. dual-fiber system gave a CO2-to-HCOOH rate 116 ± 1.2 mM h–1 g–1, which is ≥18-fold higher than rates in slurry systems. 12% QE obtained POF was 18-fold greater slurry. product selectivity were up 22 99%, respectively. Due dual efficiencies delivery high achieved platform, had energy consumption only 0.60 0.05 kWh mol–1, 3000-fold better photocatalysis slurry-based This innovative design enables valorization without use platinum group metals or rare earth elements.