Guwahati— Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a novel photocatalytic material capable of converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol fuel using sunlight, marking a significant step toward clean energy innovation, officials said.
The breakthrough aims to tackle the dual challenge of rising energy demand and environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel consumption. The findings of the study have been published in the Journal of Materials Science.
Explaining the significance of the research, Professor Mahuya De from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati said the continued dependence on petroleum-based fuels remains a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. She noted that scientists across the world are exploring photocatalytic technologies to convert CO₂ into cleaner fuels as a sustainable alternative.
Graphitic carbon nitride, a low-cost, metal-free and non-toxic material, has been widely studied for this purpose. However, its practical application has been limited due to rapid energy loss and low fuel production efficiency. To overcome these challenges, the IIT Guwahati team combined graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene, an ultra-thin carbon material known for its excellent electrical conductivity and energy transfer properties.
The integration of few-layer graphene significantly reduced energy loss within the catalyst, enhancing its performance under visible light and sunlight. According to the study, the modified material remained active for a longer duration, enabling improved light absorption and more efficient charge generation.
Among various combinations tested, the composite containing 15 per cent graphene by weight demonstrated the highest efficiency in converting carbon dioxide into methanol. It also showed strong stability, making it suitable for potential real-world applications.
Professor De said the research could contribute to mitigating environmental problems while simultaneously promoting green energy solutions. She added that converting carbon dioxide into fuel using solar energy holds promise for industries such as thermal power plants, cement manufacturing units, steel production facilities and petrochemical refineries, helping advance a circular carbon economy.
The research team now plans to scale up the technology for industrial use and develop a durable photocatalytic system capable of converting large volumes of industrial CO₂ emissions into clean fuels.
