IIT Guwahati Innovates Photocatalytic Material for CO2 Conversion to Methanol

Breakthrough in Renewable Energy at IIT Guwahati

GUWAHATI, Jan 9: A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has successfully created a photocatalytic material capable of transforming carbon dioxide into methanol fuel using sunlight.

The researchers emphasized that this innovation tackles a critical issue: how to satisfy increasing energy demands without further damaging the environment.

Led by Prof. Mahuya De from the Department of Chemical Engineering, along with her research scholar Nayan Moni Baishya, the findings have been published in the Journal of Materials Science.

Prof. De pointed out that reliance on fossil fuels continues to contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating environmental degradation and global warming.

“In response, scientists are exploring photocatalytic techniques to convert carbon dioxide into sustainable fuels. Globally, researchers have been addressing this pressing issue using graphitic carbon nitride, a cost-effective, non-toxic material. However, challenges like rapid energy loss and low fuel output have hindered significant advancements,” she explained.

To tackle these challenges, the IIT Guwahati team integrated graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene, a material known for its excellent electrical conductivity and energy transfer properties, which helped reduce energy loss in the catalyst.

“This research is anticipated to aid in alleviating environmental issues while simultaneously promoting green energy solutions. The conversion of carbon dioxide into cleaner fuel using solar energy represents a promising technological advancement,” Prof. De stated.

The study revealed that adding few-layer graphene enhanced the photocatalytic energy retention of carbon nitride when exposed to visible light and sunlight, prolonging the catalyst's activity and improving light absorption and charge generation.

Among the tested composites, the catalyst containing 15 weight percent graphene exhibited the highest efficiency in converting carbon dioxide to methanol, along with notable stability, which is crucial for practical applications.

Prof. De mentioned that the developed technology has the potential for use in various industries, including thermal power plants, cement production, steel manufacturing, and petrochemical refineries, thereby supporting the shift towards a circular carbon economy and a cleaner energy future.

By

Staff Reporter