Researchers Develop Copper Nanoclusters to Enhance CO2 Reduction Efficiency

A global team has engineered copper nanoclusters with improved selectivity, paving the way for sustainable carbon conversion technologies.

Scientists from Tohoku University, Tokyo University of Science, and the University of Adelaide collaborated to refine electrochemical CO2 reduction processes using copper nanoclusters (NCs).
The team synthesized two structurally identical Cu₁₄ nanoclusters with different thiolate ligands, enabling distinct catalytic properties.
These nanoclusters demonstrated significant differences in product selectivity and stability, influenced by variations in intercluster interactions.
The research highlights the potential of copper nanoclusters to efficiently and sustainably convert atmospheric CO2 into valuable products.
This breakthrough underscores the importance of atomic-level engineering and global collaboration in addressing climate change challenges.