The first-ever synthesis of heterointercalated Chevrel-phase sulfides for renewable energy

A recent publication from the Velázquez lab presents the synthesis of heterointercalant Chevrel phase sulfide compositions, which have been accessed for the first time through rapid microwave-assisted solid-state synthesis, for applications in energy conversion reactions. Through elemental spectroscopic analysis, a chain electron transfer mechanism was investigated and examined by electrochemically reducing CO₂ to elucidate the distribution of electron density and the subsequent binding affinities of CO₂ resulting from the identities of intercalants. The heterointercalant compositions that facilitated the production of methanol from aqueous CO₂ were further evaluated in intermediate studies, in which aqueous formaldehyde was reduced to methanol, achieving Faradaic efficiencies of up to 78%. 

More information at https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c04404