GREEN METHANOL FORMATION FROM NANOSHEETS CATALYST IN SMART PHOTOREACTOR SYSTEM

BOOTH NO : I3


Category : Manufacturing Technologies

ABSTRACT
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to methanol and other fuels and valuable chemicals using solar energy is an attractive approach to solve environmental pollution caused by the emissions of greenhouse gases and the fossil fuels depletion. Photocatalysis has been recognized as a solar fuel production system due to its prospective applications in both reducing carbon dioxide emissions and producing of valuable chemicals under solar light. The selection of appropriate materials is important to the process's success. In this perspective, 2D /2D ZnV2O6/g-C3N4 heterojunction composite was synthesized to promote charge separation via pCN working as a mediator or heterojunction due to its well-known high efficiency, and providing higher photostability during the CO2 reduction process. Efficient design of a solar photoreactor in combination with a composite nano-catalyst utilizing solar energy for reduction of CO2 deems a possible sustainable solar fuels system with synergistic effect.
BACKGROUND
CO2 conversion to green methanol has been considered as an ideal future path and attractive process for CO2 fixation. However, the conventional route of CH3OH production is expensive due to its complicated steps. Researchers are interested in photocatalytic single-step process of converting CO2 to CH3OH. 2D heterojunction semiconductors materials were used to promote photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH3OH is 2D/2D ZnV2O6/g-C3N4. This enhanced activity can be mainly ascribed to the addition of pCN with ZnV2O6 in a controlled ratio as well as synergistic effect of ZnV2O6/pCN nanosheet heterojunctions. Besides, hierarchical structure, higher interfacial interaction, abundant 2D coupling interfaces and efficient separation of charges could efficiently promote both the overall photo-activity and products selectivity. Synergistic effect could be also achieved through designing an efficient solar photoreactor in conjunction with a nanocatalyst that utilises solar energy for CO2 reduction.
NEEDS
Solar spectrum is the most abundant, permanent and reliable source of energy, available as direct solar irradiation with power equal to 100,000 TW.
Hence, it is of great importance to develop solar-activated nanomaterials and a solar photoreactor system for methanol production to utilize solar energy efficiently.
Highly efficient reactor AND Non- toxic catalyst
Reusable catalyst AND Green Technology.
The hierarchical nanosheets materials have potential for solar applications.
APPROACH
The effect of 2D/2D ZnV2O6/g-C3N4 heterojunction composite on CO2 reduction for methanol production under solar energy was investigated.
The influence of visible light irradiation on selective and renewable fuels production to fulfil the market need.
Role of reactor type, light source and operating parameters on photoactivity of nanomaterials for selective fuels would be helpful to understand this technology for different application.
BENEFITS
The solar energy is free and abundantly available around the Malaysia that could contribute for offshore solar system.
The process developed for nanomaterials is simple, easier, chemical free and economical.
Methanol is low-cost, sustainable and environment friendly.
COMPETITORS
Global photocatalyst market competitors include photocatalyst market: TiO2, ZnO, Fe3O4, CeO2, and Others (collectively including CdS, ZnS, WO3, and Ag3PO4, among others.
Daicel Corporation., Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd., Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd., KRONOS Worldwide, Inc., The Chemours Company, OSAKA Titanium Technologies Co., Ltd.,Tayca Corporation, Showa Denko K.K., TOTO Ltd., and Nippon Soda Co.
POTENTIAL MARKET
Oil and gas industry
Petroleum and fuel cell industry
Petrochemical Industry
Methanol– Industry
RESEARCH TEAM
ZAKI YAMANI BIN ZAKARIA PUSAT PENGURUSAN PENYELIDIKAN
AREEN SHERRYNA BINTI ABDUL HALIM CHEMICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING FAN WEI KEEN CHEMICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING MOHAMED OMAR S MADI CHEMICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING MUHAMMAD TAHIR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY ZAKI YAMANI BIN ZAKARIA PUSAT PENGURUSAN PENYELIDIKAN ZERGA ABDEL MOUMIN YAHIA CHEMICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING