Triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solution as an Electrolyte promoter in CO_2 photoelectro-conversion under simulated solar irradiation assisted by Cu-doped graphene-Titania Catalyst

摘要

Copper doped graphene-TiO_2 nanocomposite were prepared via sol-gel process and embedded onto ITO coated glass films using electrophoretic deposition technique. The catalyst films were used for photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) of CO_2 induced under simulated solar irradiation. Triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solution was used as an electrolyte in this experiment. CO_2 capture in the electrolyte solution plays vital role in the PEC process and in this case, the effect of TEA was investigated. Although the absorption rate of CO_2 is lower in TEA solution than primary or secondary amines, CO_2 loading was found higher in the solution. Less reactivity of TEA towards CO_2 was also observed. The impedance results showed that, increased concentration of TEA in aqueous solution helps to reduce charge transfer resistance and thus facilitates CO_2 reduction process.