Novel NiFeAl hybridized layered double hydroxide nanofibrous for photocatalytic degradation and CO₂ reduction

In this investigation, a novel NiFeAl-LDH/PVP/PVA is harnessed to concurrently transmute the brilliant green (BG) dye and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable hydrocarbons. This procedure entails a photocatalytic reaction that encompasses both oxidation and reduction phases. In the initial stage, the BG dye is subjected to oxidation in the presence of photogenerated vacancies, culminating in the generation of CO₂ and H₂O. The CO₂ then interacts with the excited electrons to form methanol (CH₃OH) and acetone (C₃H₆O) via a reduction reaction. Among the synthesized catalysts, NiFeAl-LDH/PVP/PVA composite exhibited a generation of CH₃OH (84.01 mmolL⁻¹h⁻¹) and C₃H₆O (44.12 mmolL⁻¹h⁻¹) with an electron consumption rate of 1209.98 mmolL⁻¹h⁻¹ for the initial hour BG conversion reaction. Pure CO₂ reduction employing the composite also displayed a generation of 56.4 mmolL⁻¹⁻h⁻¹ CH₃OH and 12.71 mmolL⁻¹⁻h⁻¹ under the influence of an LED light source. Next, a comprehensive mechanism is proposed to comprehend the transformation of dye into valuable hydrocarbons. The present study suggests a synchronized approach to organic pollutant remediation along with CO₂ reduction, offering a sustainable pathway to address both environmental remediation and the energy crisis.