Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane Employing Benzimidazole-Linked Microporous Conjugated Polymers Anchored on Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilic

Capturing and transforming diluted CO2 into energy-rich fuels is a notable and increasingly interesting challenge in renewable energy research. This study successfully developed an enhanced form of silicon oxide with a unique exterior level and a SiO2/anatase phase interface. A base complex of Pd (II) and Cu (II) was created using a simple synthetic method, along with 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane loaded on dendritic fibrous nanosilica (Cu-IL/DFNS and Pd-IL/DFNS). The use of DFNS provided numerous hydroxyl groups for the stable loading of Cu-IL and Pd-IL through chemical bonding interaction. Moreover, Cu-IL and Pd-IL were able to control the appropriate strand dimensions and offer active adsorption locations of metal groups, aiding in the chemical absorption of carbon dioxide. The DFNS composite’s topography and mesoporous structure remained consistent upon Cu-IL and Pd-IL loading, indicating the maintained crystalline form. The use of light-driven biomass valorisation has become a leading field for CO2 to CH4 photoreduction due to its sustainable characteristics. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is a highly beneficial method to counteract the negative impacts of greenhouse gases and achieve carbon neutrality. The construction of active sites with specific designs that exhibit increased activity and selectivity for photoreduction is a significant challenge. The reduction of carbon dioxide is crucial in today’s era of petroleum refineries. The present paper showcases the initial application of a reusable nanocatalyst with outer magnetism for the efficient and specific light reduction of CO2 to CH4 under eco-friendly circumstances that employ earth-friendly reduction, ambient pressure, cool thermal condition, and sustainable dehydration reactants in a shorter duration. This method extends substantial advantages, incorporating substantial financial return and acceptance of functional groups. This investigation emphasizes the possibility of integrating 3D nanoparticle architecture with eco-friendly chemical processes to create highly efficient catalytic reactions for the targeted light reduction of CO2 to CH4. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.