Operando XAS analysis of visible light assisted CO2 reduction on mono- and bi-metallic (Ni, Cu,Fe)/ CeO2 catalysts

This proposal is aimed to analyze the active species in monometallic Ni or Cu, and bimetallic Ni-Cu subnanometer clusters dispersed on CeO2 or CeO2 doped with 8% Fe, during thermocatalytic and light-assisted CO2 reduction reactions. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) coupled to MS will be used to simultaneously follow the oxidation state and local atomic structure of the (bi)metallic clusters and CeO2 support (with or without Fe dopant), as well as conversion and selectivity during thermally driven and light assisted CO2 reduction reactions. The obtained information will help to identify the dynamic interplay between the metals and the ceria support during the reaction and unravel the way visible light activates the metal@semiconductor photocatalyst.