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Water Splitting–Biosynthetic Hybrid System for CO 2 Conversion using Nickel Nanoparticles Embedded in N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Author(s) -
Li Zhongjian,
Li Gang,
Chen Xinlu,
Xia Zheng,
Yao Jiani,
Yang Bin,
Lei Lecheng,
Hou Yang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201800878
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , catalysis , biocompatibility , materials science , nanoparticle , oxidizing agent , nickel , water splitting , leaching (pedology) , chemical engineering , carbon nanotube , hydrogen production , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , electrode , metallurgy , environmental science , photocatalysis , soil science , engineering , soil water
Abstract CO 2 reduction has drawn increasing attention owing to the concern of global warming. Water splitting–biosynthetic hybrid systems are novel and efficient approaches for CO 2 conversion. Intimate coupling of electrocatalysts and biosynthesis requires the catalysts possess both high catalytic performance and excellent biocompatibility, which is a bottleneck of developing such catalysts. Here, a complex of Ni nanoparticles embedded in N‐doped carbon nanotubes (Ni@N‐C) is synthesized as a hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst and is coupled with a hydrogen oxidizing autotroph, Cupriavidus necator H16, to convert CO 2 to poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate. In Ni@N‐C, the Ni nanoparticles are encapsulated in N‐C nanotubes, which prevents bacteria from direct contact with Ni and inhibits Ni 2+ leaching. As a result, Ni@N‐C exhibits excellent biocompatibility and stability. This work demonstrates that electrocatalysts and biosynthesis can be intimately coupled through rational catalyst design.