Ni‐BDC MOF/MnO2 Composite for Highly Efficient CO2 Photoreduction to CO and CH4 Under Visible Light

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AbstractMOF‐based composites with semiconductors offer synergistic effects, such as broader light absorption, improved charge carrier separation, and more active catalytic sites, all of which enhance the overall performance of the MOFs in CO2 reduction. This study presents the development and characterization of a Ni‐BDC MOF/MnO2 composite for photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible light. The Ni‐BDC MOF with a bandgap of 3.16 eV was integrated with γ‐MnO2, a visible light‐absorbing semiconductor to improve charge separation and extend light absorption. The resulting composite exhibited a reduced bandgap of 2.7 eV, enabling efficient CO2 reduction to CO and CH4. Structural, optical, and electrochemical analyses confirmed the intimate interaction between Ni‐BDC MOF and MnO2, enhancing charge carrier dynamics. The optimized composite achieved high yields of CO (56.97 µmol g⁻¹) and CH4 (23.5 µmol g⁻¹) after 6 h of irradiation, with enhanced stability and minimal electron‐hole recombination. The mechanistic study revealed multiple intermediates involved in CO2 reduction, providing insights into the pathways for CO and CH4 formation. This work offers a sustainable approach to CO2 conversion with potential applications in greenhouse gas mitigation and energy production.