Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative photocatalytic material capable of converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel using sunlight. This advancement addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to meet increasing energy demands without exacerbating environmental harm.
Leading the study, Professor Mahuya De from the Department of Chemical Engineering, along with her research scholar Nayan Moni Baishya, has published their findings in the Journal of Materials Science. De highlighted the ongoing reliance on petroleum-based fuels, which contribute significantly to carbon dioxide emissions, global warming, and environmental degradation.
“To tackle this issue, researchers are exploring photocatalytic methods to transform carbon dioxide into clean fuels,” De explained. Globally, scientists have been focusing on graphitic carbon nitride, a low-cost, metal-free, and non-toxic material. However, existing strategies face challenges, such as rapid energy loss and inadequate fuel production, with no definitive solution identified until now.
To advance this field, the IIT Guwahati team integrated graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene. Renowned for its exceptional electrical conductivity and energy transfer properties, this ultra-thin carbon material effectively reduced energy loss in the catalyst.
De stated, “This work aims to alleviate environmental issues while supporting the development of green energy. The conversion of carbon dioxide into cleaner fuels using solar energy represents a promising technological avenue.” The research demonstrated that incorporating few-layer graphene enhanced the photocatalytic energy retention of carbon nitride under visible light and sunlight, sustaining catalyst activity for longer periods and increasing light absorption and charge generation.
Among the various composites tested, the one containing 15 weight percent of graphene proved to be the most effective in converting carbon dioxide to methanol. It exhibited strong stability, an essential characteristic for practical applications.
The technology developed by the research team holds great potential for various industries, including thermal power plants, cement production, steel manufacturing, and petrochemical refineries. This advancement supports the shift towards a circular carbon economy and a sustainable energy future.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/iit-guwahati-researchers-develop-sunlight-driven-method-to-convert-co-into-methanol-1603888
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Publish Date: 2026-01-09 08:33:00
