Reaction confined between copper nanopyramids transforms carbon dioxide into ethylene glycol
Copper arrangement promotes C–C coupling and lowers formation barrier for a key intermediate
Researchers in Australia have found that a confined reaction environment created by copper atoms arranged into pyramid-like structures can selectively transform carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into ethylene glycol.cw As well as identifying a new reaction mechanism for producing a valuable diol with varied industrial applications, the work highlights the potential of designing reaction environments to increase catalyst selectivity and efficiency.