Breakthrough in Net-Zero Carbon Emissions: NYCU and International Scholars Pioneer “Triazole Organic Molecular Catalyst” to Aid Carbon Neutrality
In a significant breakthrough for global sustainability efforts, an international study team at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has developed the world’s first “triazole organic molecular catalyst” capable of efficiently converting carbon dioxide into methane. The revolutionary technology opens new possibilities for negative carbon technologies as the world moves toward 2050 net-zero carbon emission goals.
The groundbreaking research, titled “Electroreduction of CO2 to methane with triazole molecular catalysts,” was published in the prestigious journal Nature Energy, attracting significant attention and recognition from academic and industrial sectors worldwide.
Methane Conversion Offers Path to Carbon Neutrality
Methane, the primary component of natural gas, represents an important target for carbon dioxide conversion. Successfully transforming CO2 into methane offers a potential natural gas supply and contributes to net-zero emissions through carbon recycling. However, cost factors and catalyst materials have long presented bottlenecks for negative carbon technologies.
The international research team featured Assistant Professor Sung-Fu Hung from the Department of Applied Chemistry at NYCU, who holds prestigious appointments as a Ministry of Education Yushan Young Scholar and National Science Council 2030 Cross-Generation Young Scholar. Collaborating with Hung were Assistant Professor Ying Wang from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Senior Lecturer Ziyun Wang from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, forming a cross-institutional partnership spanning multiple regions.
“Traditional negative carbon technologies can effectively convert carbon dioxide into useful carbon compounds like methane, but most rely on high-cost metal catalysts, limiting possibilities for large-scale application,” explained Professor Hung. “Organic molecular catalysts have gradually gained attention in recent years due to their low cost and material availability. However, improving their catalytic efficiency and stability has remained a major technical challenge.”
To address this challenge, the research team innovatively designed triazole organic molecules that significantly enhanced CO2 conversion efficiency and operational stability. Studies showed the catalyst could operate stably in a membrane electrode assembly with a current of 10 amperes, achieving a methane production rate of 23.0 millimoles (mmol) per hour with a 52 ± 4% conversion rate. Furthermore, the technology can regulate to generate usable town gas directly-usable town gas, achieving sustainable carbon cycling goals.
This discovery provides new principles for designing organic molecular catalysts, advancing negative carbon technology development, and strengthening its crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions.
Moving Toward Net-Zero
Professor Hung stated that this research not only breaks through the auxiliary role of organic molecular catalysts in negative carbon technology but also improves their cost-effectiveness and application potential. “The research team has proposed design principles for organic small-molecule materials, establishing a solid foundation for expanding their industrial applications. We hope this technology will help address the 2050 net-zero carbon emission challenge and lead to to rapid global development of carbon cycling technologies.”
Source : NYCU NEWS
