New non-toxic organic photocatalyst can efficiently capture CO2 and convert it into methane

What is the News?

Indian Scientists have designed a cost-effective metal-free catalyst to convert carbon dioxide to methane by absorption of visible light.

What is the process used by scientists to convert CO2 to Methane?

Scientists used the photochemical process to convert atmospheric CO2 into methane.

Note: A photochemical reaction is a chemical reaction initiated by the absorption of energy in the form of light (photons), which results in certain products. 

What is the mechanism behind this method?

Currently, there are several methods for CO2 reduction such as photochemical, electrochemical, photochemical and photothermal. But most of these methods contain catalysts that are toxic and have expensive metal counterparts.

To overcome this challenge, the scientists designed a catalyst that has a metal-free porous organic polymer called the Conjugated Microporous Polymer (CMP).

This polymer can uptake CO2 onto its surface due to its high CO2 intake capability at room temperature, converting it into methane as a value-added product.

What is the significance of this method?

Besides reducing the atmospheric CO2, this method will yield methane that can be widely used in vehicles. Methane can be used as the cleanest burning fossil fuel and can directly be used in fuel cells as a hydrogen carrier.

It is also the main component of natural gas and has the potential to replace coal for electricity generation and furnishing flexible supply to reinforce intermittent renewable generators.

Source: This post is based on the article “New non-toxic organic photocatalysts can efficiently capture CO2 and convert it into methane” published in “PIB” on 28th October 2021.