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.