W/WO3/PDA@CuFe2O4 as successful photocatalyst of CO2 conversion in seawater to fuel by using sunlight

The increasing emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) due to industrialization and deforestation has accelerated global climate change, requiring the development of new technologies for CO 2 capture and utilization. This study proposes the use of seawater as a CO 2 source for the synthesis of high-value products, such as hydrogen, ethanol, and acetone, using new photoelectrocatalysts based on W/WO 3 /PDA@CuFe 2 O 4 . The method employed was photoelectrocatalysis in a two-compartment reactor separated by a Nafion 117 membrane. The addition of CuFe 2 O 4 to the system reduced the band gap of the WO 3 electrodes (3.4 eV) to 3.0 eV in the W/WO 3 /PDA@CuFe 2 O 4 material, increasing the process efficiency. At a potential of −1.0 V, 0.313 µmol L −1 of hydrogen was obtained, and at −0.4 V, 265 µmol L −1 of ethanol and 404 µmol L −1 of acetone were formed. This research makes a significant contribution to the advancement of studies in marine waters, presenting a promising technology for CO 2 capture with potential real-world application, utilizing materials synthesized in an eco-friendly manner, which may benefit future sustainable approaches to mitigating the effects of climate change. • Seawater was employed as a natural CO 2 source and electrolyte for photoelectrocatalytic conversion. • W/WO 3 /PDA@CuFe 2 O 4 electrode reduced band gap from 3.4 to 3.0 eV, enhancing efficiency. • Selective production of H 2 , ethanol, and acetone achieved under mild applied potentials. • Proposed system provides a scalable and sustainable route for CO 2 capture and utilization.