【SMM Nickel Market】August 19, 2025 – Researchers from TU Berlin and Humboldt University have published in Nature Catalysis the first atomic-resolution elucidation of how the nickel-containing enzyme carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) efficiently converts CO₂ into CO in bacteria.

The study revealed that a nickel-iron complex deep inside the enzyme acts like pincers, binding and splitting CO₂ molecules with the nickel ion driving electron transfer and molecular binding. Using advanced X-ray crystallography, infrared and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, the team captured all catalytically relevant intermediate states from CO₂ binding to CO release.

The findings provide a blueprint for bioinspired catalysts capable of selectively converting CO₂ into valuable raw materials such as chemicals and synthetic fuels, potentially accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral industry and green chemistry.