Chapter 7: Advances in Graphene-based Nanomaterials for CO₂ Capture and Conversion

Fuels and energy demand rely heavily on non-renewable resources, particularly fossil fuels, which leads to environmental concerns. The alarming increase in air pollution levels owing to increased industrialization, especially in urban areas, has led to the development of advanced air quality management technologies. Traditional methods, such as sieve filtration and adsorption processes, have limitations, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches for pollutant removal. In the latest efforts to reduce global warming, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been identified as key players for their effective role in carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and conversion to value added products. Among these materials, 2D nanomaterials and their composites offer a promising solution due to their unique structural and surface properties. In this chapter, recent advances in the field of 2D nanomaterial composites for air pollutant removal are critically reviewed. The potential role of 2D nanomaterials in capturing and converting CO₂, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, is emphasized. These advanced materials are endowed with specific functional groups in order to selectively adsorb CO₂ over other gases, ensuring high purity in the captured CO₂ for conversion processes. Such materials also serve as potential photoelectrocatalysts towards conversion of captured CO₂ into valuable products, offering a sustainable approach to CO₂ utilization. The primary focus of the chapter is on the various graphene-based 2D materials and their application in CO₂ capture and conversion, showcasing their potential as advanced materials for addressing air pollution. Finally, important future perspectives and potential for successful outcomes are outlined.