(7cy) Synthesis of Crumpled Graphene-Based Materials Using Aerosol Techniques and Their Application to CO2 Photoreduction

Synthesis of crumpled graphene-based materials using aerosol techniques and their application to CO₂photoreduction 

With the rapid development of the world’s economy, increasing amounts of fossil fuels are being consumed to meet the growing energy demand. The burning of fossil fuels is widely considered to be the main anthropogenic source of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which have been causing the global climate change. Therefore strategies to urgently mitigate CO₂ have attracted global attention. CO₂ capture and conversion (CCC) can not only capture CO₂, but also convert it to useable products such as hydrocarbon fuels. A CCC technique, photocatalytic reduction is an attractive option that directly harnesses inexpensive and abundant solar energy.

Graphene nanosheets, with their excellent electronic conductivity and extremely large specific surface area, are a promising material for use as a CO₂photoreduction catalyst. However, the application of these flat-structured materials can be significantly limited by restacking of the two-dimensional (2D) sheets. Restacking of these sheets, which results from strong Ï€-Ï€ interactions, reduces the accessible surface area and thus affects the overall material efficacy. Converting the flat 2D sheet to a 3D crumpled structure by an aerosol technique is a feasible approach to overcome the above hurdles without compromising its electrical properties.

A thorough understanding of the physical properties (including mobility and charging characteristics) of crumpled graphene oxide (CGO) nanoparticles is needed for better application of these materials. Our study has demonstrated the enhanced CO₂ photoreduction efficiency of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with modification of CGO nanoparticles. Moreover, the morphology (flat, wrinkled, or crumpled) of GO nanoparticles was also shown to affect the mobility and charging characteristics of GO-based materials. However, to further understand the effects of size and morphology of CGO nanoparticles on the CO₂ photoreduction efficiency, we are now combining both experimental results and theoretical modeling work.

Teaching Interests:  Aerosol science and technology, reaction engineering, transports, et at.