Ultra-Thin Carbon-Doped Bi2WO6 Nanosheets for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Abstract

The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is a promising strategy to generate chemical fuels. However, this reaction usually suffers from low photoactivity because of insufficient light absorption and rapid charge recombination. Defect engineering has become an effective approach to improve the photocatalytic activity. Herein, ultra-thin (~ 4.1 nm) carbon-doped Bi2WO6 nanosheets were prepared via hydrothermal treatment followed by calcination. The ultra-thin nanosheet structure of the catalyst not only provides more active sites but also shortens the diffusion distance of charge carriers, thereby suppressing charge recombination. Moreover, carbon doping could successfully extend the light absorption range of the catalyst and remarkably promote charge separation, thus inhibiting recombination. As a result, the as-prepared Bi2WO6 photocatalyst with ultra-thin nanosheet structure and carbon doping exhibits enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance, which is twice that of pristine ultra-thin Bi2WO6 nanosheet. This study highlights the importance of defect engineering in photocatalytic energy conversion and provides new insights for fabricating efficient photocatalysts.

Constructing Robust Bi Active Sites In Situ on α-Bi2O3 for Efficient and Selective Photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 via Directional Transfer of Electrons

“…During the initial period of adsorption and activation, the electrons transfer from active sites to the C 2p orbital in CO 2 to form CO 2 δ− species. In the following steps of CO 2 reduction, it is believed that the first formation of *COOH is an inevitable step, which is usually considered as the rate-determining step. ,,− The energy barriers of *COOH formation are 1.46 and 2.21 eV for Bi NCs/Bi 2 O 3 and pure Bi 2 O 3 , respectively, implying a superior CO 2 activation ability over Bi NCs/Bi 2 O 3 . Subsequently, for pure Bi 2 O 3 , it is thermodynamically favorable for the transformation of *COOH into *CO, which can easily desorb from O sites to generate the CO product (Figure S21).…”

Ferrocene-Functionalized Crystalline Biomimetic Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction

“…Visible-light driven CO 2 conversion had been an effective approach to achieve a green, circular, and sustainable ecological environment. − The biomimetic molecules, due to their biological and environmental compatibility, have been used for CO 2 reduction. − Taking advantage of these features, two low-toxicity BMOFs, [Co 2 (HAD) 2 (AD) 2 (GA)] (Co 2 -AW, GA = glutaric acid) and [Co 2 (HAD) 2 (AD) 2 (FA)] (Co 2 -AF, FA = 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid), were constructed by selecting HAD, GA, and FA as organic linkers. Co 2 -AW and Co 2 -AF are similar metal–organic frameworks constructed by GA and FA, respectively.…”

An Artificial Photosystem of Metal‐Insulator‐CTF Nanoarchitectures for Highly Efficient and Selective CO2 Conversion to CO

“…[1] Recently, photocatalytic CO 2 reduction technology, also referred to as artificial photosynthesis, has attracted unprecedented interest because it promises to convert CO 2 into solar fuels like methanol, methane, and carbon monoxide assisted by solar light, mimicking natural photosynthesis. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Yet seeking robust photocatalyst to achieve efficient CO 2 conversion remains the core goal of this research area.…”

“…Hence, the development of advanced technologies that can reduce CO 2 to other valuable fuels and thereby realize the CO 2 “loop closing” sequestration schemes is of particular importance for the sustainability of humanity [1] . Recently, photocatalytic CO 2 reduction technology, also referred to as artificial photosynthesis, has attracted unprecedented interest because it promises to convert CO 2 into solar fuels like methanol, methane, and carbon monoxide assisted by solar light, mimicking natural photosynthesis [2–8] . Yet seeking robust photocatalyst to achieve efficient CO 2 conversion remains the core goal of this research area.…”