Fuel generation through photoreduction of CO2 on novel Cu/BiVO4

In this study, Cu/BiVO4 was fabricated as a photocatalyst for improving CO2 photoreduction performance. The structural properties and morphologies of the prepared Cu/BiVO4 were systematically investigated using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. Moreover, the CO2 photoreduction photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized Cu/BiVO4 was investigated. The experimental results revealed that Cu/BiVO4 with an appropriate amount of Cu had the best photocatalytic activity for CO2 photoreduction. Among the as-prepared samples, 0.5 wt% Cu/BiVO4 exhibited maximum production rates of 7.36, 4.11, and 2.94 mu molg(-1) h(-1) for CH4, CO, and CH3OH, respectively. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for CO2 photoreduction over Cu/BiVO4 was discussed. Therefore, prepared Cu/BiVO4 is a promising catalyst for CO2 photoreduction.