Z-scheme SnS2/CsPbBr3 Heterojunctions for Photoreduction CO2 Reaction and Related Photoinduced Carrier Behaviors

CsPbBr3 perovskite exhibits potential application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction into valuable chemical fuels; however, enhancing carrier separation capability of the CsPbBr3 and fully understanding the CO2 reduction reaction process are still imperative. Herein, a new series of xSnS(2)/CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs)-y heterostructures are developed, which exhibit better catalytic activity in comparison with pure CsPbBr3 NCs. Interface and surface carrier dynamic investigation reveals that this heterojunction structure can effectively improve carrier separation efficiency. Based on the interfacial electric field direction of CsPbBr3 to SnS2, it is suggested that SnS2/CsPbBr3 NC heterostructure satisfies Z-scheme transfer dynamics. Meanwhile, by the aid of in situ surface photovoltage, it is experimentally confirmed there is dynamic carrier interaction between CO2 molecules and the SnS2/CsPbBr3 NCs photocatalyst under irradiation, and a photocatalytic CO2 reduction mechanism is thus proposed. This work expands the awareness of the interaction between CO2 and the photocatalyst, which can be strongly influenced by carrier separation efficiency at the photocatalyst heterojunction.

Automated summary

The CsPbBr3 perovskite has potential application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction, but improving carrier separation capability and understanding the CO2 reduction reaction process is crucial. A new SnS2/CsPbBr3 nanocrystal heterostructure is developed, which enhances carrier separation efficiency and shows better catalytic activity compared to pure CsPbBr3. The study proposes a photocatalytic CO2 reduction mechanism and expands the understanding of CO2-photocatalyst interaction.