Carbon quantum dots-modified Z-scheme Bi12O17Cl2/NiAl-LDH for significantly boosting photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to high-energy products is an effective way to utilize solar energy and mitigate the greenhouse effect. In this paper, a series of CQDs/Bi12O17Cl2/NiAl-LDH (C/BOC/LDH) photo-catalysts were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal method, demonstrated excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. In the case of only water without any photosensitizer and sacrificial agent, the CO production rate on C/0.3BOC/LDH reached 16.4 mu mol.g(-1)h(-1), which is 6.7 times higher than that of the original LDH. The construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions inhibited the recombination of electrons with holes. The unique up-conversion PL behavior of CQDs benefitted the absorption of energy in the NIR by the photocatalyst. This study provides meaningful assistance for the design and construction of a ternary photocatalytic system with Z-scheme heterojunction and carbon-based co-catalyst. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, CQDs/Bi12O17Cl2/NiAl-LDH photocatalysts were prepared via a hydrothermal method and exhibited excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. The CO production rate on C/0.3BOC/LDH reached 16.4 μmol.g(-1)h(-1) without any photosensitizer and sacrificial agent, which is 6.7 times higher than that of the original LDH. The construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions and the unique up-conversion PL behavior of CQDs played important roles in enhancing the photocatalytic performance.