Graphene oxide as a promising photocatalyst for CO2 to methanol conversion

Nanoscale. 2013 Jan 7;5(1):262-8. doi: 10.1039/c2nr31718d. Epub 2012 Nov 16.

Abstract

Photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) to hydrocarbons such as methanol makes possible simultaneous solar energy harvesting and CO(2) reduction, two birds with one stone for the energy and environmental issues. This work describes a high photocatalytic conversion of CO(2) to methanol using graphene oxides (GOs) as a promising photocatalyst. The modified Hummer's method has been applied to synthesize the GO based photocatalyst for the enhanced catalytic activity. The photocatalytic CO(2) to methanol conversion rate on modified graphene oxide (GO-3) is 0.172 μmol g cat(-1) h(-1) under visible light, which is six-fold higher than the pure TiO(2).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Carbon Dioxide / radiation effects*
  • Catalysis
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Graphite / radiation effects*
  • Light
  • Materials Testing
  • Methanol / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Graphite
  • Methanol