A Scientific Perspective on CO₂ Photoreduction: Rethinking Methanol Formation via MOFs

June, 6
A new Scientific Perspective by researchers from the HG energy ITQ-UPV revisits one of the most studied and debated processes in artificial photosynthesis: the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to methanol (CH₃OH). Published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, the paper offers a rigorous reassessment of the experimental foundations supporting CH₃OH formation, particularly when using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as photocatalysts.
While the conversion of CO₂ into fuels using sunlight remains a promising route in the energy transition, the authors highlight significant methodological gaps in many reported studies. The paper urges the community to adopt stricter controls—including isotopic labeling and advanced spectroscopic methods—to confirm methanol formation and rule out alternative sources or artefacts.
The study also offers guidance for best practices to avoid misinterpretation when using sacrificial electron donors and recommends experimental strategies to discern real products from background signals or decomposition byproducts.
This contribution underscores the importance of careful data validation and could be instrumental in steering the field toward greater reproducibility, scientific robustness, and ultimately, practical applications.

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