Preparing GQDs/NiAl-LDH Composites and Investigating the Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Performance: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment

The chemical experiment is designed for undergraduates majoring in chemistry, energy, and environment. The intended purpose is that the students will comprehend the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 through hands-on experiments and deepen their understanding of sustainable energy technologies. More importantly, the experiment can make students strengthen the understanding of basic theory of photochemistry and become familiar with the operation process of laboratory instruments, such as a photocatalytic reactor and gas chromatograph. The novel graphene quantum dots/NiAl layered double hydroxide (GQDs/NiAl-LDH) composites are prepared by undergraduates, and the photocatalytic activity is investigated through a series of characterizations and tests. Then the reaction mechanism analysis is carried out in the form of group discussion after the experiment. The student's grade in the laboratory experiment depends on the experimental operation, catalyst synthesis, photocatalytic activity, and mechanism analysis. It is promising that students can organically combine chemistry knowledge with experimental operation through this experiment, so as to encourage them to continue the research related to photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Automated summary

This chemical experiment is designed for undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, energy, and environment to understand the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 through hands-on experiments and deepen their understanding of sustainable energy technologies. The experiment also aims to strengthen students' understanding of the basic theory of photochemistry and familiarize them with the operation process of laboratory instruments such as photocatalytic reactors and gas chromatographs. Through the experiment, students prepare novel graphene quantum dots/NiAl layered double hydroxide composites and investigate their photocatalytic activity. Mechanism analysis is then carried out through group discussions. Students' grades in the experiment are based on experimental operation, catalyst synthesis, photocatalytic activity, and mechanism analysis. This experiment encourages students to combine chemistry knowledge with experimental operation and continue research related to photocatalytic CO2 reduction.