Title:

Optimizing Cobalt Loaded C3N4 Photocatalysts via Heat Exfoliation for Reducing CO2​

Since global warming is of ever-increasing concern, the need for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and repurposing technology becomes more and more relevant. CO2 is a very stable molecule that typically requires a strong catalyst and some sort of energy input for it to be broken down into carbon monoxide (CO) which is a useful gaseous product that can then be used to synthesize hydrogen, methanol, and other valuable liquid fuels products. This research focuses on refining established cobalt Single Atom Catalysts (SAC's) loaded on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) that harnesses the sun's energy to reduce CO2 into CO. Specifically, it was determined that the cheap and simple act of performing multiple heat exfoliations on the g-C3N4 before loading it with cobalt SAC's greatly increased its surface area, cobalt loading potential, and CO turnover numbers. By maximizing the amount of CO evolved in the photocatalysis reaction, this CO2 repurposing technology becomes more compelling and likely to be implemented in an industrial setting. This reaction is powered by a renewable energy source, and it has the ability to both capture and recycle CO2, so this line of research will continue to be of high interest as global CO2 emissions continue to rise.

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