Photothermal CO2 conversion to ethanol through photothermal heterojunction-nanosheet arrays

Xiaodong Li, Li Li, Xingyuan Chu, Xiaohui Liu, Guangbo Chen, Quanquan Guo, Zhen Zhang, Mingchao Wang, Shuming Wang, Alexander Tahn, Yongfu Sun () and Xinliang Feng ()
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Xiaodong Li: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
Li Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Xingyuan Chu: Dresden University of Technology
Xiaohui Liu: Dresden University of Technology
Guangbo Chen: Dresden University of Technology
Quanquan Guo: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
Zhen Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Mingchao Wang: Dresden University of Technology
Shuming Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Alexander Tahn: Dresden University of Technology
Yongfu Sun: University of Science and Technology of China
Xinliang Feng: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Photothermal CO2 conversion to ethanol offers a sustainable solution for achieving net-zero carbon management. However, serious carrier recombination and high C-C coupling energy barrier cause poor performance in ethanol generation. Here, we report a Cu/Cu2Se-Cu2O heterojunction-nanosheet array, showcasing a good ethanol yield under visible–near-infrared light without external heating. The Z-scheme Cu2Se-Cu2O heterostructure provides spatially separated sites for CO2 reduction and water oxidation with boosted carrier transport efficiency. The microreactors induced by Cu2Se nanosheets improve the local concentration of intermediates (CH3* and CO*), thereby promoting C-C coupling process. Photothermal effect of Cu2Se nanosheets elevates system’s temperature to around 200 °C. Through synergizing electron and heat flows, we achieve an ethanol generation rate of 149.45 µmol g−1 h−1, with an electron selectivity of 48.75% and an apparent quantum yield of 0.286%. Our work can serve as inspiration for developing photothermal catalysts for CO2 conversion into multi-carbon chemicals using solar energy.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49928-0

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