Synergistic Enhancement of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction by Built-in Electric Field/Piezoelectric Effect and Surface Plasmon Resonance via PVDF/CdS/Ag Heterostructure

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 using solar energy is an effective means to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the photocatalytic efficiency still requires improvements. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanofiber membranes are prepared by electrospinning. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanosheets are assembled in situ on the surface of PVDF based on coordination between F- and Cd2+, and then Ag nanoparticles are deposited on CdS. Because of the synergistic effect between localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles and the built-in electric field of PVDF, the CO2 photocatalytic reduction efficiency using PVDF/CdS/Ag under visible light irradiation is significantly higher than that of any combination of CdS, CdS/Ag, or PVDF/CdS. Under micro-vibration to simulate air flow, the CO2 reduction efficiency of PVDF/CdS/Ag is three times higher than that under static conditions, reaching 240.4 mu mol g(-1) h(-1). The piezoelectric effect caused by micro-vibrations helps prevent the built-in electric field from becoming saturated with carriers and provides a continuous driving force for carrier separation.

Automated summary

PVDF ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanofiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The assembly of CdS nanosheets and Ag nanoparticles on the PVDF surface significantly improved the photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation. The piezoelectric effect caused by micro-vibrations contributed to the enhancement of CO2 reduction efficiency by preventing carrier saturation and providing continuous carrier separation.