Spontaneous Atomic Sites Formation in Wurtzite CoO Nanorods for Robust CO<sub>2</sub> Photoreduction
Jishi Wei, Fan Lu Meng, Tongtao Li, Tianxi Zhang, Shibo Xi, Wei Li Ong, Xiao‐Qiao Wang, Xinyue Zhang, Michel Bosman, Ghim Wei Ho
Abstract
Abstract Controlled incorporation of single atoms in a suitable host matrix can result in a radical transformation in catalytic properties. However, finding a straightforward synthetic strategy that offers a compelling combination of solution processing, atomic doping and a matching host is still a grand challenge. Here, a spontaneous heteroatom formation of atomic Zn sites in well‐defined wurtzite CoO nanorods, delivering high photoreduction rates, reaching 86.7 µmol g −1 h −1 for CO and 31.4 µmol g −1 h −1 for CH 4 production is reported. Based on the validation of atomic Zn sites structures, catalytic process tracking via in situ/ex situ spectroscopic probes, and related structural simulations, a good description of the catalytic reaction kinetics for Zn/CoO as a function of applied potential is established, revealing how the single doping sites influence the CO 2 photoreduction.