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IIT Guwahati Develops Catalyst to Convert CO2 to Methanol Using Sunlight

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 2:11 GMT by The Hans India

Guwahati, January 8th, 2026 - Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have unveiled a groundbreaking catalyst capable of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol fuel using only sunlight, marking a significant advance in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Published recently in 'Applied Catalysis B: Environmental', this innovation tackles both climate change mitigation and the urgent need for cleaner fuel sources.

For decades, the escalating concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has been recognized as a primary driver of global warming. While reducing emissions remains paramount, actively removing CO2 and repurposing it offers a powerful complementary strategy. Converting CO2 into valuable resources, such as methanol - a versatile liquid fuel and a key building block for various chemicals - has long been a goal of scientists worldwide. However, traditional CO2 conversion technologies have been hampered by significant drawbacks, chiefly their reliance on energy-intensive processes requiring high temperatures and pressures.

The IIT Guwahati team, led by Dr. Shrishail Pujari of the Department of Chemical Engineering, has successfully circumvented these limitations with the development of a novel catalyst. This catalyst comprises meticulously engineered copper nanoparticles strategically supported on a titanium dioxide (TiO2) framework. The copper nanoparticles serve as the active sites where the CO2 conversion takes place, effectively acting as the engine of the process. Crucially, the titanium dioxide framework isn't merely a passive support; it actively contributes to the catalyst's efficiency by enhancing the absorption of sunlight - the energy source driving the entire reaction - and providing exceptional structural stability.

"The key to our success lies in the synergy between the copper nanoparticles and the titanium dioxide support," explains Dr. Pujari. "The TiO2 not only stabilizes the copper, preventing it from clumping together and losing activity, but also broadens the spectrum of light it can absorb, maximizing energy capture from sunlight."

Extensive testing revealed the catalyst's remarkable performance characteristics. It demonstrated a high rate of CO2 conversion to methanol, while operating at significantly lower temperatures compared to conventional methods. This translates directly into reduced energy consumption and, consequently, lower operational costs. Even more encouragingly, the catalyst exhibited exceptional durability, maintaining its activity and efficiency even after prolonged exposure to sunlight, a critical factor for long-term viability.

Implications and Future Outlook

The development has far-reaching implications. Methanol, produced through this sunlight-driven process, can serve as a direct replacement for gasoline in modified internal combustion engines, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It's also a valuable feedstock for producing various chemicals, including olefins - essential components in plastics and other materials. This offers a pathway towards a circular carbon economy, where CO2 is not simply a waste product, but a resource to be utilized.

While the current research represents a significant milestone, challenges remain before widespread industrial implementation. The team is now focused on scaling up the production of the catalyst, aiming to move from laboratory-scale synthesis to commercially viable manufacturing processes. Further optimization is also underway to enhance the catalyst's performance and lifespan, potentially through the incorporation of other materials or modifications to the TiO2 framework.

The team is actively exploring partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate the translation of this research into real-world applications. Pilot projects are planned to demonstrate the catalyst's effectiveness in capturing CO2 from industrial flue gases - emissions from power plants and factories - and converting it into usable fuel.

The project has garnered attention from several national and international funding agencies, signaling confidence in its potential. Experts believe that technologies like this will be crucial in achieving net-zero emissions targets and securing a sustainable energy future. The ability to harness solar energy to address the CO2 problem represents a powerful step towards a cleaner, more resilient planet.