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

Copper doped graphene-TiO sub(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 sub(2) induced under simulated solar irradiation. Triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solution was used as an electrolyte in this experiment. CO sub(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 sub(2) is lower in TEA solution than primary or secondary amines, CO sub(2) loading was found higher in the solution. Less reactivity of TEA towards CO sub(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 sub(2) reduction process.