The solar-driven thermochemical splitting of CO2 into separate streams of CO and O2 is experimentally demonstrated with total selectivity, long-term stability, high mass conversion, and promising solar-to-fuel energy efficiency. This benchmark performance was accomplished using a 4 kW solar reactor featuring a reticulated porous structure, made of ceria, directly exposed to 3000 flux irradiation and undergoing redox cycling via temperature/pressure-swing operation. A detailed energy balance elucidates viable paths for achieving higher efficiencies.
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