Catalytic reduction of CO2 to alcohol with Cu2Se-combined graphene binary nanocomposites

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ over a Cu₂Se–graphene nanocatalyst has been investigated. The nanocomposite material was successfully prepared via a modified hydrothermal method. The structure and properties of the prepared composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopic analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A synergetic effect of the combination of Cu₂Se and graphene appeared in the form of excellent photocatalytic reduction capability of CO₂. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the samples were characterized by testing for the photoreduction of CO₂ to alcohol under visible light irradiation, which produced results such as to suggest that there is a significant potential for graphene-based semiconductor hybrid materials to be used as photocatalysts for reduction of CO₂.