G-C₃N₄/CEO₂ DEPOSITED WITH PT COCATALYST FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC CO₂ REDUCTION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Abstract
The escalating concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) necessitates innovative mitigation strategies. Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction offers a solar-driven route to convert CO₂ into value-added fuels and chemicals. This review presents a comprehensive investigation of a ternary photocatalytic system comprising graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and cerium dioxide (CeO₂), enhanced by platinum (Pt) as a noble metal cocatalyst. The synergistic interactions between g-C₃N₄ and CeO₂ yield superior charge separation, broadened light absorption, and enhanced surface reactivity. Characterisation by XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful composite synthesis with preserved crystal structures and markedly enlarged BET surface areas (up to 36.65 m²/g for CeO₂-g-C₃N₄ (3) versus 9.45 m²/g for pure CeO₂). Stable production of CH₄ (∼30 μmol/g/h) and H₂ (∼35 μmol/g/h) was demonstrated over five consecutive photocatalytic cycles. These findings advance understanding of ternary heterojunction photocatalysts for sustainable CO₂ valorisation.
Keywords- photocatalysis, CO₂ reduction, g-C₃N₄, CeO₂, platinum cocatalyst, heterojunction, charge separation.
