CuxO modified La2Sn2O7 photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity

The conversion of CO2 into clean hydrocarbon fuels by photocatalytic technology has been recognized as a promising strategy to solve environment and energy crisis. La2Sn2O7 modified with CuxO (CuxO/La2Sn2O7) are synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal route and applied to the photocatalytic CO2 reduction without sacrificial reagents. The optimized 2.4% CuxO/La2Sn2O7 composite shows excellent CO2 reduction activity with CH4, CO and H-2 yields of 7.6, 109.4 and 185.6 mu mol.g(-1) under 3 h illumination, respectively. The total utilized photoelectron number (UPN) reaches 650.8 mu mol.g(-1), which is approximately 6 and 3 times higher than those of referenced La2Sn2O7 and Au/La2Sn2O7. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the formation of the CuO/Cu2O/Cu clusters, evidenced by the Auger spectra and HRTEM, leading to an efficient spatial separation of photoinduced charges. This work sheds light on the design and construction of high-performance CuxO modified photocatalyst for the light-to-energy application.

Automated summary

The study explores the conversion of CO2 into clean hydrocarbon fuels through photocatalytic technology, highlighting the exceptional CO2 reduction activity of the CuxO/La2Sn2O7 composite and the efficient spatial separation of photoinduced charges.