HITS Professor in collaboration with National Taiwan University converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) into renewable fuels using sunlight

• Nanotech Innovation Unlocks 200x Efficiency in Green Energy Transformation
• The Photocatalytic System Opens Doors to Affordable and Sustainable Fuel Production

Chennai: In a significant stride towards combating climate change, Professor Indrajit Shown from the Chemistry Department at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai, has developed a photocatalytic system that transforms harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable renewable fuels using sunlight. This research, published in the prestigious journal Nano Energy, marks a major advancement in green chemistry and aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Professor Indrajit Shown, in collaboration with Dr. Li-Chyong Chen’s team from National Taiwan University, engineered a novel ZnS/ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) heterostructure photocatalyst. This innovative material utilizes solar energy to efficiently convert CO2 into hydrocarbons, notably acetaldehyde (C2H4O), a crucial step towards sustainable fuel production. The team successfully created a single-pot hydrothermally synthesized ZnS/ZIS composite, which introduced a novel strain-induced direct Z-scheme mechanism, significantly enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency.

Professor Indrajit Shown said: “Our goal is not just scientific discovery, but real-world solutions to combat climate change. This research represents a critical step in converting CO₂—a major greenhouse gas—into valuable resources. This research is the culmination of a robust collaborative effort between HITS and National Taiwan University, demonstrating the power of international cooperation in tackling global challenges. The team’s collective expertise in nanomaterials, energy conversion, and catalysis has culminated in the development of a highly effective and practical photocatalytic system.”

This advanced ZnS/ZIS composite has demonstrated a quantum efficiency 200 times higher than conventional ZnS-based methods, significantly improving the process of CO₂ reduction. Unlike previous approaches, the system selectively produces acetaldehyde using visible light, a crucial advancement in green fuel technology. Stringent isotope-labeled ¹³CO₂ testing confirmed that the hydrocarbons generated originated directly from CO₂ photoreduction, eliminating contamination concerns. This research directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Col. (Hon) Dr. S.N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor of Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science remarked: “This groundbreaking research by Professor Indrajit Shown and his team provides innovative solutions for a sustainable future. By harnessing solar energy to convert CO2 into useful fuels, this development not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides a tangible pathway to addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. This achievement highlights our institution’s role in driving scientific progress and the potential of nanotechnology in clean energy solutions. We are confident that such innovations will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future”

The research team is now exploring AI-driven approaches to discover even more efficient photocatalysts, promising further breakthroughs in this critical field. With such innovations, HITS continues to cement its position as a leader in sustainable technology research, proving that today’s environmental challenges can become tomorrow’s solutions.