How Tellurium is Changing the Game in CO2 Conversion

Scientists have found a way to make cheaper metals work like expensive ones in converting CO2. This is big news because usually, this process needs rare and costly metals like platinum. But now, by adding tellurium, a common element, to metals like cobalt and nickel, researchers can make them as effective as platinum at much lower temperatures. The usual method for converting CO2, called the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, needs very high temperatures, over 1000 °C. But with tellurium, this can happen at less than 450 °C. This is a huge deal because it makes the process more energy-efficient and cheaper. When tellurium is added to cobalt and nickel, it forms a stable alloy. This alloy stops the metals from turning CO2 into methane, which is not wanted. Instead, it helps in making carbon monoxide, which is useful. The selectivity for CO is over 98%, which is as good as platinum-based systems. This discovery is important because it shows that we don't always need rare and expensive metals for important chemical reactions. By using common elements like tellurium, we can make the process of converting CO2 more sustainable and affordable. The stability of these tellurium-doped metals is also impressive. They can keep working well over long periods, making them a reliable choice for industrial use. This could lead to more widespread use of CO2 conversion technologies, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. In short, tellurium is proving to be a game-changer in the field of CO2 conversion. It's making the process more efficient, cheaper, and sustainable. This is a big step forward in the fight against climate change.