image: Researchers engineered a Ni/Mo2CTx MXene catalyst that undergoes transformation during the CO2 thermocatalytic hydrogenation, reducing the Ni particle size from 12.9 to 3.1 nm and increasing CO selectivity from 21.1% to 92.6% while maintaining CO2 conversion. This change stems from strong Ni-Mo interactions that enhance electron transfer. Mechanistic studies indicate that this dynamic structural evolution suppresses the formate pathway and leads to a product selectivity shift from methane to CO, providing a strategy for creating robust and selective MXene-based catalysts.
Credit: Chinese Journal of Catalysis
Selective hydrogenation of CO2 is a key pathway to reduce carbon emissions and recycle carbon resources. However, the chemical inertness of CO2 makes it challenging to convert efficiently. Two-dimensional carbides known as MXenes offer promise as catalyst supports, but how they interact with metals like nickel (Ni) under reaction conditions remains largely unexplored. Understanding these dynamic metal-support interactions is essential for designing more effective and selective catalysts.
Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) and Sichuan University have developed a Ni/Mo2CTx MXene catalyst that undergoes a striking in-situ transformation during CO2 hydrogenation. The average Ni particle size decreases from 12.9 nm to 3.1 nm under reaction conditions, while CO selectivity dramatically increases from 21% to over 93%, with conversion rates remaining stable. This performance shift stems from partial removal of surface terminal groups, enabling direct Ni-Mo rather than Ni-O-Mo indirectly bonding and stronger electron transfer. The results were published in Chinese Journal of Catalysis (DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64681-X).
Unlike traditional catalysts that degrade under harsh conditions, this MXene-based system restructures itself into a more active and selective form. The new Ni-Mo interaction enhances metal dispersion, suppresses the methanation-formate pathway, and promotes CO2 dissociation to CO. This self-activating behavior is rare and highlights the role of engineered metal-support chemistry in reaction-induced structural tuning.
This work offers a new strategy for developing robust and selective catalysts using MXenes. By leveraging reaction atmosphere to trigger beneficial structural changes, scientists can steer product selectivity and stability, paving the way for more efficient CO2 utilization in sustainable chemical processes.
About the journal
Chinese Journal of Catalysis is co-sponsored by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Chemical Society, and it is currently published by Elsevier group. This monthly journal publishes in English timely contributions of original and rigorously reviewed manuscripts covering all areas of catalysis. The journal publishes Reviews, Accounts, Communications, Articles, Highlights, Perspectives, and Viewpoints of highly scientific values that help understanding and defining of new concepts in both fundamental issues and practical applications of catalysis. Chinese Journal of Catalysis ranks among the top six journals in Applied Chemistry with a current SCI impact factor of 15.7.
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Journal
Chinese Journal of Catalysis
Article Title
Structural dynamics of Ni/Mo2CTx MXene catalysts under reaction modulate CO2 reduction performance
Article Publication Date
21-May-2025