Unique S-scheme heterojunctions in self-assembled TiO2/CsPbBr3 hybrids for CO2 photoreduction

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Exploring photocatalysts to promote CO2 photoreduction into solar fuels is of great significance. We develop TiO2/perovskite (CsPbBr3) S-scheme heterojunctions synthesized by a facile electrostatic-driven self-assembling approach. Density functional theory calculation combined with experimental studies proves the electron transfer from CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) to TiO2, resulting in the construction of internal electric field (IEF) directing from CsPbBr3 to TiO2 upon hybridization. The IEF drives the photoexcited electrons in TiO2 to CsPbBr3 upon light irradiation as revealed by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, suggesting the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction in the TiO2/CsPbBr3 nanohybrids which greatly promotes the separation of electron-hole pairs to foster efficient CO2 photoreduction. The hybrid nanofibers unveil a higher CO2-reduction rate (9.02 μmol g–1 h–1) comparing with pristine TiO2 nanofibers (4.68 μmol g–1 h–1). Isotope (13CO2) tracer results confirm that the reduction products originate from CO2 source.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18350-7

Authors: Feiyan Xu, Kai Meng, Bei Cheng, Shengyao Wang, Jingsan Xu, Jiaguo Yu

Institutions: Wuhan University of Technology, Ji Hua Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology For Materials Synthesis and Processing, Huazhong Agricultural University, Queensland University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,380

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Wuhan University, Wuhan University of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Australian Research Council, National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

OpenAlex ID: W3085189088