Cost-effective CO2 photocatalytic reduction by hybridizing earth-abundant molecular catalysts and inexpensive light absorbing organic polymers

Driven by the awareness of the full environmental impact of fossil fuel mass consumption, the world is gradually transitioning to sustainable energy sources to eventually eliminate CO2 emissions. Inspired by this, we seek to develop an inexpensive photocatalytic system composed of earth-abundant organic polymer semiconductor and molecular cocatalysts that is capable of utilizing the energy from sunlight to reduce CO2 to high value-added chemicals such as methanol. Considering the similarity in the mode of operation of this system to natural photosynthesis, key processes such as sequential electron transfer will be studied. This will address knowledge gaps in what factors affect device performance, a crucial information needed for the development of an effective larger scale system that potentiates the technology and prompts further commercial developments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Godin

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris Cité

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: