Mohamed Hamdy
Professor of Physical Chemistry and Catalysis
King Khalid University
Mohamed Hamdy is a Full Professor of Physical Chemistry at King Khalid University. He has extensive international academic experience at leading institutions including TU Delft, University of Twente, and University College London. His research focuses on catalysis, CO₂ utilization, hydrogenation reactions, and the design of nanostructured catalysts for sustainable energy. He holds several patents and published extensively, presented globally, and leads projects bridging academia and industry to advance innovative and sustainable fuel technology
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Alternative Fuels - E fuels, Biofuels and SAF
Forum 15 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
29
April
11:30
13:30
UTC+3
The rapid rise of global CO2 emissions has intensified the search for innovative solutions that simultaneously mitigate climate change and ensure sustainable energy production. Among the proposed strategies, photocatalytic CO2 reduction has emerged as a promising approach, as it utilizes solar energy to convert a greenhouse gas into valuable fuels and chemicals. In particular, the selective transformation of CO2 into short-chain hydrocarbons (C1–C3) is of great interest due to their direct applicability as clean fuels and petrochemical feedstocks.
The current study aims to develop and evaluate advanced photocatalytic systems capable of reducing CO2 into short-chain hydrocarbons under mild reaction conditions. By tailoring catalyst design and reaction parameters, the study seeks to enhance conversion efficiency, control product selectivity, and provide mechanistic insights into the photocatalytic pathways involved.
A series of porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized to enhance CO2 adsorption, charge separation, and light-harvesting properties. The porous structure was engineered to provide a high surface area and accessible active sites, while ceria incorporation introduced oxygen vacancies and redox-active sites that promote CO2 activation and intermediate stabilization. The materials were characterized using XRD, BET, TEM, and UV–Vis DRS to confirm structural, textural, and optical properties. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated in a batch type reactor under simulated solar irradiation, with CO2 and water vapor as reactants. Product distribution was monitored using gas chromatography, focusing on short-chain hydrocarbons (C1–C3) as the primary reduction products.
The porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited measurable photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction under simulated solar light. The incorporation of ceria enhanced light absorption in the visible region and promoted efficient charge separation, resulting in the formation of short-chain hydrocarbons. Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed the production of methane, ethane, ethylene, propene, and propane in the range of a few ppm, indicating selective C1–C3 hydrocarbon formation. These findings demonstrate the synergistic effect of ceria incorporation and porous structuring in driving CO2 reduction beyond CO and CH4, extending towards multi-carbon products.
This study highlights the potential of porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 as a promising photocatalyst for solar-driven CO2 reduction into short-chain hydrocarbons. Although current yields are in the ppm range, the selective generation of C1–C3 hydrocarbons under mild conditions demonstrates a critical step toward sustainable fuel production. The results provide valuable insights into catalyst design strategies that can bridge the gap between greenhouse gas mitigation and renewable fuel generation. Advancing such photocatalytic systems contributes to the long-term vision of a circular carbon economy, offering new opportunities for the petroleum and energy sectors to transition toward cleaner and more sustainable practices.
The current study aims to develop and evaluate advanced photocatalytic systems capable of reducing CO2 into short-chain hydrocarbons under mild reaction conditions. By tailoring catalyst design and reaction parameters, the study seeks to enhance conversion efficiency, control product selectivity, and provide mechanistic insights into the photocatalytic pathways involved.
A series of porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized to enhance CO2 adsorption, charge separation, and light-harvesting properties. The porous structure was engineered to provide a high surface area and accessible active sites, while ceria incorporation introduced oxygen vacancies and redox-active sites that promote CO2 activation and intermediate stabilization. The materials were characterized using XRD, BET, TEM, and UV–Vis DRS to confirm structural, textural, and optical properties. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated in a batch type reactor under simulated solar irradiation, with CO2 and water vapor as reactants. Product distribution was monitored using gas chromatography, focusing on short-chain hydrocarbons (C1–C3) as the primary reduction products.
The porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited measurable photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction under simulated solar light. The incorporation of ceria enhanced light absorption in the visible region and promoted efficient charge separation, resulting in the formation of short-chain hydrocarbons. Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed the production of methane, ethane, ethylene, propene, and propane in the range of a few ppm, indicating selective C1–C3 hydrocarbon formation. These findings demonstrate the synergistic effect of ceria incorporation and porous structuring in driving CO2 reduction beyond CO and CH4, extending towards multi-carbon products.
This study highlights the potential of porous ceria-incorporated TiO2 as a promising photocatalyst for solar-driven CO2 reduction into short-chain hydrocarbons. Although current yields are in the ppm range, the selective generation of C1–C3 hydrocarbons under mild conditions demonstrates a critical step toward sustainable fuel production. The results provide valuable insights into catalyst design strategies that can bridge the gap between greenhouse gas mitigation and renewable fuel generation. Advancing such photocatalytic systems contributes to the long-term vision of a circular carbon economy, offering new opportunities for the petroleum and energy sectors to transition toward cleaner and more sustainable practices.
