Work

Sustainable methanol production from CO2 using waste mask-derived activated carbon and Cu–C/TiO2 photocatalyst

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a sustainable method for methanol production by converting polypropylene surgical mask waste into activated carbon for efficient CO2 capture, achieving 2.711 mmol/g adsorption capacity. Captured CO2 was converted into methanol using a Copper-Carbon (Cu-C) co-doped Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst, showing six times better performance than commercial TiO2. Under UV light, methanol yield reached 3.79 g/L with 98.6% catalyst regeneration efficiency, and under sunlight, a yield of 3.39 g/L was observed. Carbon footprint analysis confirmed carbon-neutrality at lab scale, with potential for carbon-negative impact when scaled-up. Furthermore, we designed an innovative apparatus, the CO2-to-Methanol Photoreactor (C2M Reactor), that integrates CO2 capture with methanol synthesis, offering a novel, energy-efficient solution for large-scale implementation. This approach simultaneously addresses plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, offering a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based methanol production. Future studies may focus on testing various other catalysts to optimize methanol production. The research supports sustainable carbon capture and utilization for climate mitigation.

Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2025.103247

Authors: Chaudhri Abdur Raheem, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Qasim Shafique, Muhammad Fahim Khokhar

Institution: National University of Sciences and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,360