Click here to sign in with or
Forget Password?
Learn more
share this!
2
Twit
Share
Email
June 17, 2024
This article has been reviewed according to Science X’s editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content’s credibility:
fact-checked
peer-reviewed publication
trusted source
proofread
by Griffith University
Griffith University researchers have developed innovative, eco-friendly quantum materials that can drive the transformation of methanol into ethylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol is an important chemical used to make polyester (including PET) and antifreeze agents, with a global production of over 35 million tons annually with strong growth.
Currently, it’s mainly produced from petrochemicals through energy-intensive processes.
Methanol (CH3OH) can be produced sustainably from CO2, agricultural biomass waste, and plastic waste through various methods such as hydrogenation, catalytic partial oxidation, and fermentation. As a fuel, methanol also serves as a circular hydrogen carrier and a precursor for numerous chemicals.
Led by Professor Qin Li, from Griffith’s Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Center, the team’s method uses solar-driven photocatalysis to convert methanol into ethylene glycol under mild conditions. This process uses sunlight to drive chemical reactions, which minimizes waste and maximizes the use of renewable energy.
The study, “Colloidal Synthesis of Carbon Dot-ZnSe Nanoplatelet van der Waals Heterostructures for Boosting Photocatalytic Generation of Methanol-Storable Hydrogen,” has been published in the journal Small.
While previous attempts at this conversion have faced challenges—such as the need for toxic or precious materials—Professor Li and the research team have identified a greener solution.
“Climate change is a major challenge facing humanity today,” Professor Li said.
“To tackle this, we need to focus on zero-emission power generation, low-emission manufacturing, and a circular economy. Methanol stands out as a crucial chemical that links these three strategies.
“What we have created is a novel material that combines carbon quantum dots with zinc selenide quantum wells.”
“This combination significantly enhances the photocatalytic activity more than four times higher than using carbon quantum dots alone, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new material,” Lead author Dr. Dechao Chen said.
The approach has also shown high photocurrent, indicating efficient charge transfer within the material, crucial for driving the desired chemical reactions.
Analyses confirmed the formation of ethylene glycol, and the byproduct of this reaction is green hydrogen. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using eco-friendly materials in photocatalysis, paving the way for sustainable chemical production.
As a new quantum material, it also has the potential to lead to further advancements in photocatalysis, sensing, and optoelectronics.
“Our research demonstrates a significant step towards green chemistry, showing how sustainable materials can be used to achieve important chemical transformations,” says Professor Qin Li. “This could transform methanol conversion and contribute significantly to emissions reduction.”
More information: Dechao Chen et al, Colloidal Synthesis of Carbon Dot‐ZnSe Nanoplatelet van der Waals Heterostructures for Boosting Photocatalytic Generation of Methanol‐Storable Hydrogen, Small (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402613
Journal information: Small
Journal information: Small
Provided by Griffith University
Explore further
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Feedback to editors
11 hours ago
0
14 hours ago
0
15 hours ago
0
15 hours ago
0
17 hours ago
0
29 minutes ago
7 hours ago
8 hours ago
9 hours ago
9 hours ago
9 hours ago
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
4 hours ago
Jun 17, 2024
May 28, 2024
May 27, 2024
May 27, 2024
May 26, 2024
More from Materials and Chemical Engineering
Mar 25, 2024
Jun 1, 2021
May 6, 2024
Jan 31, 2024
May 31, 2024
Oct 16, 2023
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines).
Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request
Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.
Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.
Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient’s address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.
Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we’ll never share your details to third parties.
More information Privacy policy
We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X’s mission by getting a premium account.
Medical research advances and health news
The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances
The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web