Researchers increase isolated ruthenium loading in carbon catalysts

Researchers at Tohoku University and collaborating Japanese universities developed a carbon catalyst containing isolated ruthenium atoms at up to 11% by weight, compared with typically less than 2% in conventional ruthenium single-atom catalysts. Laboratory tests showed over 99% selectivity when converting carbon dioxide into formic acid, an industrial raw material. The team used flexible molecular structures to accommodate ruthenium, then heated them into an organized, porous carbon material that kept the atoms apart. The catalyst maintained performance through repeated use without observed atom clumping or damage to the carbon structure. Extending the method to other precious metals is planned research.