Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a breakthrough catalyst that mimics the natural process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into formate—a valuable chemical used in fuel, pharmaceuticals, and industry. Shaped like a flower, the catalyst features a metal center surrounded by petal-like ligands. This unique structure allows the reaction to take place precisely at the ligands, avoiding unwanted byproducts like carbon monoxide or hydrogen. The result is a highly selective and efficient process that transforms CO₂ into clean energy using only sunlight, protons, and electrons.
What sets this discovery apart is its potential for sustainability and scalability. Inspired by how plants use light to convert CO₂ into energy, the catalyst effectively captures solar energy in chemical bonds, creating a carbon-negative fuel source. Researchers have successfully used not just rare metals like ruthenium but also more common and affordable metals such as iron, opening the door to cost-effective production. Led by chemists Sai Puneet Desai, Andressa Müller, and Javier Concepcion, the team used advanced simulations to perfect the design, marking a significant step toward industrial-scale carbon recycling and clean energy generation. More