Scholars International Journal of Chemistry and Material Sciences (SIJCMS)
Volume-9 | Issue-02 | 66-76
Original Research Article
Sustainable Utilization of Electric Arc Furnace Slag-derive Nanocomposite Catalyst as Effective Photocatalysts for CO2 Capturing and Reduction under a Continuous Flow Photoreactor into Hydrogen and Methanol
Kingsley Safo, Felix A. Kwarteng, Joseph Boahen, Francis Tetteh, Emmanuel Afreh, Hussien Noby, Ahmed H El-Shazly
Published : March 11, 2026
Abstract
This study presents a one-step solvothermal approach for the preparation of Electric Arc Furnace steel slag nanocomposite (EAF-SSNC) aimed at converting CO2 into hydrogen and methanol. The EAF-SSNC was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The SEM analysis revealed a spherical and heterogeneous structure with macropores, while EDX results indicated a composition of 26.3 wt% O, 32.4 wt% Fe, 11.94 wt% Si, 0.27 wt% Ti, 3.26 wt% Al, 2.93 wt% Mg, 20.43 wt% Ca, and 2.47 wt% Mn. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of multiple crystalline phases, including Andradite, Hematite, and Calcite. The photocatalytic performance of the EAF-SSNC was evaluated under varying dosages (10-60 mg/L) at a reactor temperature of 30°C and a flow rate of 500 μl/min, with a total water volume of 60 ml. The total organic carbon (TOC) levels were quantitatively assessed using a TOC analyzer, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze the liquid products, which revealed that methanol (CH3OH) was the predominant product, whereas HCHO was the minor one. The findings suggest that EAF-SSNC can serve as an effective catalyst for CO2 reduction, addressing environmental concerns associated with steel slag disposal while contributing to sustainable carbon management strategies. This research highlights the potential of utilizing industrial by-products in innovative ways to mitigate environmental impact and promote resource recovery.