journal article·2025-10

Atomic Compartmentalization of Quaternary Metals in Thin Single‐Crystal PBA Nanocages Enables Superior CO2‐to‐Syngas Photoreduction

Yanting Zheng, Yurong Zeng, Shuqi Lu, Haoyang Huang, Zanyong Zhuang, Yan Yu

Small· Volume 21· Issue 39
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Conventional multimetallic catalysts, often characterized by randomly mixed metals, tend to exhibit competing interactions and ambiguously defined active sites due to poorly understood synergistic effects. Herein, this challenge is surmounted through atomic compartmentalization, achieving precise organization of Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe into role‐specific atomic niches within ultrathin (8 nm) single‐crystalline nanocages. Advanced characterization reveals a hierarchical synergy: Co serves as the primary CO2 reduction site, while Fe stabilizes the framework via robust Fe─CN─Co coordination. Cu functions as an atomic electron shuttle, elevating the Co oxidation state to enhance charge transfer and CO2 activation, while Mn induces lattice strain and nanocage formation, optimizing CO2 binding and active‐site exposure. This synergistic design yields a higher syngas production rate of VCO = 35.77 mmol·g−1 h−1, VH2 = 33.96 mmol g−1 h−1 (CO/H2≈1), outperforming many reported Co‐based catalysts, while maintaining stability in cycling test. The work redefines multimetallic catalyst design, demonstrating that atomic‐level precision fosters unparalleled functional complementarity.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · Catalytic Processes in Materials Science · CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Materials Science and Engineering Fuzhou University, New Campus Minhou Fujian 350108 China

Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Technologies Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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