Research Projects

Converting CO₂ into chemical fuels with a photocatalyst and sunlight is an appealing approach to address climate deterioration and the energy crisis. Semiconductor-based nanomaterials are a promising catalyst for CO₂ reduction. Recently all-inorganic CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br or I) perovskite nanocrystals have attracted extensive interest recently due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Metal halide perovskites are relatively new photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction compared to most conventional semiconductors. This project proposes to develop ultra-stable perovskite nanocrystals (all inorganic), and thereafter fabrication of PNC-MXene nanohybrid for efficient CO₂ reduction. To improve the charge separation and transfer following efficient exciton generation in such nanocrystals, novel functional nanocomposites will be synthesized by the in-situ growth of CsPbX₃ perovskite nanocrystals on two-dimensional MXene nanosheets. To fabricate nano heterostructures, the applicant proposes using Ti₃C₂, a newly emerging ultrathin 2D material of the MXene family, which has excellent metallic conductivity. Efficient excited state charge will be stduided between CsPbX₃ NCs and MXene nanosheets, using photoluminescence (PL) and PL decay lifetimes measurement. The as-obtained CsPbXr3/MXene nanocomposites are envisioned to increase photocurrent generation in response to visible light an illumination, attesting to the potential application of these heterostructure nanocomposites for photoelectrochemical and photoreduction of CO2. The efficient charge transfer also renders the CsPbBr3/MXene nanocomposite an active photocatalyst/photo electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 into valuable products. Furthermore, the applicant will utilize the best possible PNC/MXene nanohybrid to develop an efficient photocatalysis/photo electrocatalysis system for CO2 reduction. This proposal will be an exploration of perovskite materials in next-generation CO2 reduction.