Transforming CO2 into green fuel with innovative sunlight-powered catalyst
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Mar 28, 2024
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have developed a method to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol using sunlight and a novel catalyst composed of single copper atoms on nanocrystalline carbon nitride. This innovation could significantly impact the production of sustainable fuels, contributing to the reduction of global warming.
The collaborative effort, including experts from the University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, University of Queensland, and University of Ulm, focuses on a photocatalytic process. This method involves shining light on a semiconductor material, which excites electrons to react with CO2 and water, producing methanol, a viable green fuel. The study’s findings have been documented in the Sustainable Energy and Fuels Journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Photocatalysis has been explored previously but has faced challenges in efficiency and selectivity. The research introduces a carbon nitride material with copper atoms, enhancing the conversion of CO2 into methanol under solar irradiation. Dr. Madasamy Thangamuthu, co-leader of the research from the University of Nottingham, emphasized the importance of controlling materials at the nanoscale to achieve high light absorption and efficient charge separation.
The innovative carbon nitride was produced by heating it to a specific degree of crystallinity, optimizing its properties for photocatalysis. The copper atoms were then added through magnetron sputtering, a solventless process that ensures close contact between the semiconductor and metal atoms.
Tara LeMercier, a PhD student involved in the experiments, shared that the newly formed carbon nitride, even without copper, was significantly more active than its traditional counterpart. The inclusion of copper not only increased efficiency but also shifted the production from methane to methanol, aligning with sustainability goals.
Professor Andrei Khlobystov highlighted the significance of using abundant elements like carbon, nitrogen, and copper in the catalyst, underlining its sustainability and potential contribution to achieving net-zero emissions in the UK.
This research is a stride towards understanding photocatalytic materials for CO2 conversion, offering a route to creating selective and tunable catalysts for green fuel production. Funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant, this initiative aligns with the University of Nottingham’s commitment to advancing green and sustainable technologies, further supported by the establishment of the Zero Carbon Cluster in the East Midlands.
Research Report:Synergy of Nanocrystalline Carbon Nitride with Cu Single Atom Catalyst Leads to Selective Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Methanol
Related Links
University of Nottingham
Bio Fuel Technology and Application News
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