Triethanolamine (TEA) Aqueous Solution as an Electrolyte Promoter in CO<sub>2</sub> Photoelectro-Conversion under Simulated Solar Irradiation Assisted by Cu-Doped Graphene-Titania Catalyst

Abstract

Copper doped graphene-TiO2 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 CO2 induced under simulated solar irradiation. Triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solution was used as an electrolyte in this experiment. CO2 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 CO2 is lower in TEA solution than primary or secondary amines, CO2 loading was found higher in the solution. Less reactivity of TEA towards CO2 was also observed. The impedance results showed that, increased concentration of TEA in aqueous solution helps to reduce charge transfer resistance and thus facilitates CO2 reduction process.