New method converts CO2 to e-fuels using light

Researchers at the Laboratory for Nanometallurgy have developed a new method for converting CO2 into e-fuels using light. This approach utilizes plasmon-assisted catalytic processes with nanoscale metamaterials. The innovative materials create a unique environment that enhances light localization, improving the efficiency of the catalytic process. The team successfully converted CO2 into carbon monoxide and methane, which are important for e-fuel production. This method allows for fine-tuning of catalytic selectivity by adjusting the plasmonic network's chemical composition. The findings are published in the journal Nano Letters.