The performance of CO2 reduction by dielectric barrier discharge plasma coupled Cu-Ni binary silicon-based composites

Abstract

As a major greenhouse gas, the rational conversion and utilization of CO2 can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the greenhouse effect. In this study, mesoporous SiO2 as a carrier, with CuO and NiO employed to construct a binary metal composite silica-based catalyst, coupled with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, for the conversion of CO2. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the successful introduction of CuO into the mesoporous SiO2. NiO and CuO bimetals were dispersed on SiO2 surfaces with large specific surface areas, ensuring an optimal distribution of metal oxide. Gas chromatography was utilized to investigate the performance of DBD-coupled x%CuO-3 %NiO/Si for CO2 conversion. The results indicated that the CuO-NiO binary composite silica catalysts significantly improved CO2 conversion, CO yield, and energy efficiency compared to the monometallic 3 %NiO/Si materials. Further microstructural analysis of the 9 %CuO-3 %NiO/Si catalyst revealed near-elliptic particles with dimensions of 200 by 500 nm and a large number of irregular fine particles attached to the surface. When the CuO loading reached an optimal level and the input power was set at 30 W, the energy efficiency of the 9 %CuO-3 %NiO/Si catalyst increased by 119.6 %. The CuO-NiO binary composite Si-based catalyst developed in this study boasts simple operation and environmental friendliness, making it highly significant for CO2 treatment.