High selectivity of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO based on terpyridine ligand supported CuI metal organic framework

In this work, a 4'-(4-cynaophenyl)-4,2':6 & PRIME;,4-terpyridine supported Cu-I MOFs photocatalyst (Cu ( I ) MOF) was applied to the photocatalytic CO2 reduction for the first time. The micro-structural and physicochemical properties of the Cu ( I ) MOF were systematically studied by the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-Vis diffuse spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), ns-level photoluminescence spectra (ns-level PL), Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and N-2 adsorption-desorption test (BET-BJH). Moreover, the in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) was applied to investigate the adsorption and reaction intermediates of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. As a result, Cu ( I ) MOF exhibited good performance and outstanding selectivity toward photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO under full-spectrum and visible light illumination. Notably, 100% selective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO was achieved. Thus, the study presents the high selectivity and CO2 reduction efficiency of Cu ( I ) MOF as a potential family of photocatalysts.

Automated summary

In this study, the Cu (I) MOF photocatalyst supported by 4'-(4-cynaophenyl)-4,2':6 & PRIME;,4-terpyridine was applied for the first time in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The micro-structural and physicochemical properties of the Cu (I) MOF were systematically studied, and it exhibited good performance and high selectivity in the reduction of CO2 to CO under full-spectrum and visible light illumination. The study demonstrates the potential of Cu (I) MOF as a photocatalyst with high selectivity and efficiency in CO2 reduction.