Solution processable polymer‐based nanocomposite coatings for large‐area carbon capture and conversion

We present synthesis and characterization of multicomponent polymer‐based nanocomposites for carbon dioxide capture and conversion into stable carbonates. Using a simple drop‐casting method, several metal oxide nanoparticles were homogeneously mixed into a polymer matrix. Our formulation is based on the combination of metal oxide nanoparticles and photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, copper oxide, and iron oxide. In this formulation, each metal oxide exhibits its own catalytic function of trapping carbon dioxide. In a mixture with several of these inorganic components, the nanocomposites exhibit the characteristics from each, with a potential of displaying multifunctionality. The liquid phase of the polymer‐based nanocomposite enables it to be sprayed onto any surface that could potentially lead to large‐area carbon capture. The combination of low‐cost materials, easy large‐scale applications, and multifunctionality offers huge potential of these multicomponent nanocomposites for effective CO 2 capture and conversion into stable carbonates and other useful by‐products. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd