Czech researchers from Charles University, Prague, led by Pavla Eliášová, have developed an advanced photocathode that helps convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into pure ethanol using sunlight. The new technology solves a long-standing problem of material degradation in water, achieves record conversion efficiency, and opens the way toward sustainable production of green fuels.Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful fuels using solar energy represents the holy grail of modern green chemistry. The device enabling this conversion is called a solar reactor. Its key element is a photocathode: a material that absorbs light and enables the chemical reaction. Cuprous oxide long appeared to be an ideal material because it is inexpensive, readily available, and excels at capturing solar rays. In practice, however, it faced a fundamental obstacle: in an aqueous environment under light, it transforms and degrades extremely rapidly—much like iron undergoing swift corrosion—and loses its functionality within just tens of minutes.The team from the Chemistry Section of the Faculty of Science, CU, led by Pavla Eliášová, in collaboration with Tomáš Hrbek from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, CU, resolved this issue by creating a unique "nano-sandwich". The scientists combined cuprous oxide with advanced two-dimensional materials called MXenes and, through precisely controlled heating, created an ultrathin layer of titanium dioxide on their surface. MXene modified in this way can rapidly drain electric charge from the cuprous oxide, thereby slowing down its decomposition. At the same time, it uses the charge further to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuel."Surface-engineered MXene combined with cuprous oxide allowed us to unite the best of both materials. The copper base enables maximum utilization of light energy, while the conductive MXene framework ensures that the material remains active even after many hours of operation," explains research team leader Pavla Eliášová from the Chemistry Section of the Faculty of Science, Charles University.In laboratory tests, the new photocathode achieved a record solar-energy-to-ethanol conversion efficiency of 2,74 %. A crucial improvement is the formation of only a single product. While other systems often produce a mixture of byproducts, the material designed by the research team produces pure ethanol as its sole liquid product, which significantly simplifies its potential industrial application."This is a major step forward for us. On our laboratory scale, the system works very well and produces ethanol over many hours. In the next step, we want to further reinforce the stability of the entire photocathode and begin testing on a larger scale and under real daylight conditions," adds physical chemist Pavla Eliášová.The research was conducted within the international European project DESIRED (Horizon Europe), with support from the Charles University Research Centre (UNCE) and the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program.<blockquote><h4>Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.71469">Surface-Engineered Ti3C2Tx MXene/Cu2O Photocathodes for Highly Selective Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Ethanol</a></h4>Luis A. M. Carrascosa, Magdaléna Linková, Monika Remzová, Tomáš Hrbek, Pavla EliášováAdv. Energy Mater., 2026, 16, e71469<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.71469">https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.71469</a><h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Cu2O is an inexpensive p-type semiconductor that promotes the photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (PEC CO2RR). While its low bandgap enables photoexcitation by visible light, long-term stability remains limited due to quick charge recombination and photocorrosion. Here, we enhanced charge separation and extraction by combining Cu2O with surface-engineered MXenes. In this novel architecture, TiO2 grows in situ on the surface of Ti3C2Tx and serves as a charge-transport layer, forming a junction with Cu2O. On the other side, the outer TiO2 surface exposed to the CO2-saturated electrolyte offers catalytically active sites for CO2 reduction. Acting as a central layer, the MXene conductive backbone provides an electronically continuous pathway for electron transport. In PEC CO2RR, the photocathode containing 50 wt.% of MXene and a balanced amount of TiO2 on the Ti3C2 surface outperformed the best Cu/CuxO-based systems operating in non-organic electrolytes reported in the literature. The FTO/Cu2O/ml-Ti3C2Tx-350-N2 photocathode reached 8.4&nbsp;µmol&nbsp;cm−2 h−1 ethanol production rate and 2.74% solar-to-ethanol efficiency after 2&nbsp;h. Moreover, pairing TiO2-MXene with Cu2O significantly stabilized the photocathode, which maintained 76% of the ethanol production rate after 6 h. Overall, our results establish surface-engineered Cu2O/TiO2-MXene heterostructures as a solid platform for highly selective, visible-light-driven ethanol production with significantly improved operational stability.

Researchers from Charles University, Prague, Have Developed a New Photocathode for Efficient Conversion of CO2 into Ethanol

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 42, 2026

Autumn has already turned the leaves into vibrant shades, and with the end of the year approaching, we would like to thank you - before the first snowflakes arrive - for your trust, cooperation, and continued interest in our products and services.As a long-standing distributor of Thermo Scientific Finnpipette products, we know that the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results often begin with seemingly small details. 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The main mission of the Faculty of Science is to create highly qualified experts in biology, chemistry, geography, geology and in other interdisciplinary fields. Its scientific and research effort aims to solve key problems concerned with the development of human society. Some of the priority long-term subjects are human health, the study of the function and prediction of the development of ecosystems and the biosphere, and the development of environmentally-friendly materials based on the utilization of renewable resources.

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Ever wished certain tasks could be automated? Everything can be done with just a few clicks these days, right? Surely the same applies to chromatography.
On the 6th of June, we are introducing the ideal instrument to help you take the first steps into the world of automated flash chromatography.
Be the first to find out just how simple chromatography can be.

BUCHI: Product Launch: Pure Essential Chromatography

Product Launch: Pure Essential Chromatography

On the 6th of June, we are introducing the ideal instrument to help you take the first steps into the world of automated flash chromatography.

Attendees will see how currently available technologies can provide major solvent (and time) savings and improve their workflow and productivity.
<h5>This presentation provides easy to do suggestions to reduce organic solvent use including:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Step gradients</li>
<li>Smaller particle size columns</li>
<li>HILIC as replacement for DCM/MeOH</li>
<li>Reversed phase</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend this webinar mini-series?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Small Molecule Organic Chemists</li>
<li>Medicinal Chemists</li>
<li>And their Managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bob Bickler (Senior Technical Specialist, Biotage)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bob Bickler is the Senior Technical Specialist at Biotage and has over 45 years of chromatography experience. During his career, he has worked for Whatman, YMC, Waters, and for the past 25 years at Biotage. Bob has designed and launched many products including Biotage SNAP columns, SP1, Isolera LS, Isolera Prime Flash System, as well as several accessories.
</blockquote>

Biotage: Improve your Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Sustainable Purifications

Improve your Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Sustainable Purifications

Attendees will see how currently available technologies can provide major solvent (and time) savings and improve their workflow and productivity.

Better Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Purifications

<h4>Overview</h4>A comprehensive webinar on flash chromatography. The fundamentals of chromatography theory, Method development of Normal phase, TLC to Flash and diving into the specifics of reversed-phase flash materials. Exploring the power of HILIC mode for polar compounds and learn how to efficiently transfer your HPLC methods to flash chromatography for preparative purification. This webinar will equip you with practical knowledge to enhance your purification workflows.<h4>Key Learning Points</h4><ul><li>Learn about general chromatography theory</li><li>Flash Chromatography fundamentals</li><li>Method Development approach-TLC, Normal phase and Reverse phase&nbsp;</li><li>HPLC to Flash Chromatography - Know how it works.</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend</h4><ul><li>Researchers and Scientists: Ideal for those involved in the development and characterization of biotherapeutics.</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Dhanunjaya Naidu (Business Development Manager, Phenomenex)Dhanunjaya Naidu has earned a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Andhra University, India and brings 19 years of experience in synthesis, analytical method development and Purifications. In the past 7 years at Phenomenex, he has given many technical presentations, Analytical method development support, Column positioning and troubleshooting assistance.Currently, he is working as a Business Development Manager at Phenomenex India, and responsible for Pan India Purification Technologies Products. He has publications in reputed international journals in organic synthesis.</blockquote>

Phenomenex:  Enhancing Productivity Using Flash Chromatography: Strategies and Techniques

 Enhancing Productivity Using Flash Chromatography: Strategies and Techniques

Master flash chromatography fundamentals, method development, and HPLC-to-flash transfer to improve purification workflows for polar and complex compounds.

LCMS webinars focusing on Flash LC - page 1