CuO@Cu2V2O7 Z-scheme heterojunction achieves selective CO2 photoreduction to C2H4

Photocatalysis is an effective way to reduce CO2 and recycle carbon. However, there are still challenges in slowing down the compounding rate of photogenerated carriers and achieving high selectivity of CO2 reduction products. The heterojunction composites of CuO and Cu2V2O7 exhibit exceptional photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance due to the functional differences of their metal sites. DFT calculations confirm the formation of the built-in electric field. The photocatalytic activity and stability were enhanced by accelerating the transfer of photogenerated carriers at the heterostructure interface. When exposed to simulated solar radiation, the maximum yield for the C2H4 is 29.57 μmol g−1 h−1. The efficient electron transfer and intense attraction to CO2 of the composite are conducive to strengthening C2H4 selectivity. This article provides insights into the design of Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.