Research advances in the synthesis of nanocarbon-based photocatalysts and their applications for photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuels
Date
2014
Authors
Sun, H.
Wang, S.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Energy and Fuels, 2014, vol.28, iss.1, pp.22-36
Statement of Responsibility
Hongqi Sun and Shaobin Wang
Conference Name
4th Sino-Australian Symposium on Advanced Coal and Biomass Utilisation Technologies (9 Dec 2013 - 11 Dec 2013 : Wuhan, China)
Abstract
Hydrocarbon fuels are the most important sources of energy in modern society because of their natural abundance, stability, and high energy density. However, the emissions of carbon dioxide from them and the associated global warming effect impose worldwide pressure on the use of sustainable solar energy and carbon dioxide transformation and sequestration. Photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to fuels using semiconductors is proposed as an effective solution. More recently, nanocarbons, such as carbon nanotube, graphene oxide, and graphene, possessing high thermal conductivity, high theoretical specific surface area, unique carrier mobility, low-dimensional structure, and sp²-hybridized carbon configuration, have shown promotion to photocatalysis. It has been proven that nanocarbon/semiconductor hybrids can be a competitive material compared to traditional metal oxides for CO₂ reduction. This review summarizes the recent research advances in the synthesis of nanocarbon hybrid photocatalysts and their applications in photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to hydrocarbons. The roles of nanocarbons in extending light absorption, increasing separation of carriers, band gap engineering, and preferred CO₂ adsorption in manipulating activity/selectivity are discussed. The studies in this topic will facilitate the design of advanced functional materials for energy innovation via solar energy use.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Published: October 14, 2013.
Special Issue: 4th (2013) Sino-Australian Symposium on Advanced
Coal and Biomass Utilisation Technologies
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© 2013 American Chemical Society