Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable products using emerging two-dimensional graphene-based nanomaterials: A step towards sustainability

Over the past decade, anthropogenic CO2 emission is among one of the foremost concerns of the environmental issues. Numerous efforts have been focused on utilizing visible-light active emerging graphene-based catalysts since recently these nanomaterials are being widely explored for the generation of solar fuels, a step towards sustainability. Tuning between the band gaps, metal-free nature, high surface area leading to higher dispersion, and promoting high CO2 adsorption made graphene as the material of choice. However, its shortcomings, such as faster recombination rate and photo-corrosion, have slightly hindered its growth. The role of 2D graphene and its various modifications as well as heterojunctions is thoroughly discussed in this review. Opportunities and challenges on CO2 transformation with low selectivity and reactivity are covered. Mainly, the review contributes towards the expansion of emerging graphene-based semiconductors as the budding candidates for solar fuel conversion to improved outlooks for researchers working in this area.

Automated summary

In the past decade, anthropogenic CO2 emissions have become a major focus in the environmental issues. Graphene has been widely explored as a catalyst for solar fuel generation, but its shortcomings, such as faster recombination rates and photo-corrosion, have slightly hindered its growth. Research also delves into the role of graphene and its various modifications in CO2 conversion.