Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Ni-Based Single-Atom and Nanoparticle Catalysts Supported on UiO-66-NH2

Nowadays, with the advancement of industrial productivity, air pollution has become a shared concern globally. One of the most discussed topics in this field is the recycling and utilization of industrial exhaust gases, particularly the high-value utilization of carbon dioxide emissions. In this project, we focus on the C1-level transformation of CO₂. UiO-66-NH2, as a novel metal-organic framework, possesses unique features such as excellent specific surface area and remarkable CO₂ adsorption capacity. Using it as a catalyst support for CO₂ conversion represents a promising approach. Nickel was employed as the catalytic metal in this study, and two distinct strategies were attempted to introduce it into UiO-66-NH2: ionic and cluster forms. The resulting catalysts, including BET adsorption testing, were characterized and analyzed, providing insights into their inherent properties. Subsequently, these catalysts were applied to thermal catalytic conversion of CO₂. However, due to the instability of the support material at high temperatures over extended periods, ideal catalytic activity was not achieved. Recognizing the necessity of hydrogen in CO₂ C1 conversion, we further tested the photocatalytic performance of the same material in hydrogen evolution reaction. Promising results were obtained in the samples where Ni was introduced into UiO-66-NH2 in ionic form, achieving partial activity. Notably, this performance was achieved without the addition of photosensitizers, indicating the material's broad potential for photocatalytic applications.