Natural antenna molecule in halloysite-kojic acid composite for the solar photocatalytic CO2 methanation

This study investigates a novel approach to enhance CO2 photoconversion to methane, utilizing a natural catalyst based on halloysite and kojic acid, both naturally derived materials. The catalyst is combined with xanthopterin, a yellow pigment found in the wings of Vespa orientalis, which they use to harvest sunlight and convert it into energy, aiding their thermoregulation and flight efficiency. By loading the xanthopterin antenna onto the halloysite-kojic acid composite, we demonstrate an increase in CO2 photoconversion efficiency from 31 % to 41 %, and increased selectivity in conversion, from 78 % to 85 %. These findings highlight the potential of natural materials and biomimetic strategies for improving CO2 reduction processes, offering a sustainable path for solar energy-driven CO2 conversion.