The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

We report a defect engineering strategy for TiO₂ aerogels by introducing cellulose and dialdehyde cellulose during the sol gel process to enhance photo driven CO₂ cycloaddition. The cellulose derived polymers partially reduce TiO₂ in situ, generating Ti³⁺ species and oxygen vacancy sites. Au was further loaded at about 1 wt% via deposition precipitation to enhance interfacial charge transfer at the defect rich TiO₂ Au interface. Epoxide based CO₂ cycloaddition was evaluated under 500 W/m² irradiation with a long pass filter, and conversion and selectivity were used to assess the coupled roles of defect density and Au loading. This approach combines the high surface area aerogel architecture with controlled defect formation and Au synergy to improve CO₂ utilization under mild conditions.