In a significant breakthrough for clean energy and climate research, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a sunlight-driven photocatalytic material capable of converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methanol fuel, offering a promising route to reduce emissions while generating green energy.
The research, led by Mahuya De, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, along with research scholar Nayan Moni Baishya, directly addresses one of the world’s biggest challenges: meeting growing energy demands without worsening environmental damage.
According to IIT Guwahati, the study has been published in the Journal of Materials Science, highlighting its global scientific relevance.
How the technology works
The team demonstrated that adding a few-layer graphene to carbon nitride significantly improves its photocatalytic performance under visible light and natural sunlight. This enhancement allows the catalyst to:
- Absorb light more efficiently
- Generate and retain charge for longer durations
- Remain active and stable over extended use
Among all tested compositions, the catalyst containing 15 weight percent graphene delivered the highest efficiency in converting CO₂ into methanol, while also showing strong stability, an essential factor for real-world applications.
Explaining the impact of the work, Prof. Mahuya De said the research contributes simultaneously to environmental protection and green energy development, adding that solar-driven conversion of carbon dioxide into fuel is a highly promising pathway for the future.
Potential industrial impact
The technology holds strong application potential for industries that generate large volumes of carbon emissions, including:
- Thermal power plants
- Cement manufacturing units
- Steel production facilities
- Petrochemical refineries
By converting industrial CO₂ emissions into usable fuel, the innovation could support a circular carbon economy, turning waste into value rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
What’s next
The IIT Guwahati research team now aims to scale up the technology for practical deployment and develop a long-lasting photocatalytic system capable of continuous CO₂ conversion under real industrial conditions.
For Guwahati and the Northeast, the breakthrough reinforces the region’s growing presence in cutting-edge climate and energy research, positioning IIT Guwahati as a key contributor to India’s clean energy future.
