Reinforcing flower-like Znln2S4 via interfacial charge separation to boost CO2 photoreduction

Abstract

CO2 Photoreduction through C–O bond cleavage and C–H bond formation has aroused as an alternative to fabricate high-value chemical fuels that are independent of fossil reserves. However, sluggish charge transfer and neglected light-induced heat utilization are thermodynamically and kinetically challenging. Herein, we subtly design a three-dimensional ultrathin composite consisting of flower-like ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) and low-cost biochar (BC). The as-prepared ZIS/BC photocatalyst displays an optimized performance and stability toward CO2 conversion, with a high CO yield of 20.7 μmol g−1 h−1 and a small yield of CH4, C2H4, and C2H6 in comparison with ZIS and BC counterparts. This exciting activity originates from high electron conduction efficiency, light-harvesting ability, and the photothermal effect, which is produced from the intense interfacial contact of BC and ZIS. This work suggests that traditional photocatalysts can be elevated by inhibiting photocorrosion by introducing highly economical and electron conductivity biomass carbon in solar-induced green-chemical feedstock production.