Graphene-Based Photocatalyst Applications: Novel Approaches Beyond Traditional Uses

Graphene-based photocatalysts have emerged as a promising class of materials with many potential applications in areas ranging from energy and environmental sanitation to sensing and catalysis. In this chapter, some new approaches will be explored to using graphene-based photocatalysts, including photocatalytic CO2 reduction, photocatalytic organic synthesis, and photocatalytic sensing. The underlying mechanisms of these processes, the advantages and challenges of using graphene-based photocatalysts, and the potential of these approaches will be discussed for future research and development. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction: Rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere is an urgent problem that requires immediate attention. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction has emerged as a promising solution to this problem. Light energy is utilized in the process to transform CO2 into useful chemicals, including methanol, formic acid, and methane. Graphene-based photocatalysts offer several advantages over traditional photocatalysts, including high surface area, excellent conductivity, and high electron mobility. These properties enable efficient charge separation and transfer, thus maximizing the efficiency of the photocatalytic process. However, using graphene-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction poses several challenges, including the need for a suitable co-catalyst and the challenge of achieving selectivity for a specific product. Photocatalytic organic synthesis: Graphene-based photocatalysts have also shown potential in the photocatalytic synthesizing of organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Graphene-based photocatalysts offer several advantages for this application, including high surface area, ease of functionalization, and stability. However, challenges are also associated with the use of graphene-based photocatalysts for organic synthesis, including optimizing reaction conditions for specific products and challenging to scale-up the process. Photocatalytic detection: Graphene-based photocatalysts were investigated for their potential as sensor materials because of their high sensitivity and selectivity. In this process, light energy is used to induce chemical reactions on the surface of the graphene photocatalyst, leading to a modification of its electronic properties. This change can be measured and used to detect the presence of specific compounds or analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity. However, using graphene-based photocatalysts for sensing also poses challenges, including the need to optimize conditions for specific analytes and the challenge to achieve high selectivity in complex sample matrices.