Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a new photocatalytic material that can convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol fuel using sunlight, addressing critical energy needs while mitigating environmental harm. The project, led by Prof. Mahuya De and her scholar Nayan Moni Baishya, was published in the Journal of Materials Science. The research highlights the ongoing dependence on petroleum-based fuels contributing to carbon emissions and global warming. It aims to transform CO₂ into clean fuels via photocatalytic methods, employing graphitic carbon nitride, a low-cost and non-toxic material, combined with few-layer graphene to enhance energy retention and reduce energy loss in the catalyst. The study revealed that the incorporation of 15 weight percentage (wt%) graphene resulted in the most efficient CO₂ to methanol conversion, demonstrating strong stability for practical applications. The technology developed shows promise for industrial use in sectors like thermal power, cement manufacturing, steel production, and petrochemical refineries, aligning with the goals of a circular carbon economy and promoting cleaner energy solutions.
