Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have created a photocatalytic material capable of transforming carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol fuel through solar energy. This innovation aims to address the environmental issues caused by the reliance on petroleum-based fuels, which lead to CO2 emissions and global warming. The study, published in the Journal of Materials Science, focuses on meeting energy demands sustainably without further harming the environment.
The newly developed technology has the potential to be utilized in various industries like thermal power plants, cement manufacturing units, steel production facilities, and petrochemical refineries. It supports the shift towards a circular carbon economy and a cleaner energy future. Professor Mahuya De from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati emphasized that this work is crucial for environmental conservation and promoting green energy by converting CO2 into a more eco-friendly fuel using solar power.
By combining graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene, the IIT Guwahati team overcame the limitations of existing materials. Few-layer graphene, known for its electrical conductivity and energy transfer properties, helped reduce energy loss in the catalyst. This integration improved the photocatalytic energy retention of carbon nitride when exposed to visible light or sunlight, enhancing light absorption and charge generation, thus prolonging the catalyst’s activity.
The research highlighted that the catalyst containing 15% graphene showed the most efficient conversion of CO2 into methanol among the tested composites. Additionally, it exhibited robust stability, a critical factor for practical applications. The team’s future plans include scaling up the technology for real-world use and developing a durable photocatalytic system capable of converting industrial CO2 emissions into clean fuels.
