Bi2O3 as a Promoter for Cu/TiO2 Photocatalysts for the Selective Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Methane

Abstract A significantly enhanced gas‐phase photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into methane on Cu/TiO 2 nanoparticles upon introducing Bi 2 O 3 as a promoter in the vicinity of Cu was observed. The maximum rate of CH 4 generation of 11.90 μmol g −1 h −1 recorded in the case of Cu‐Bi 2 O 3 /TiO 2 is approximately one order of magnitude higher than that obtained with Cu/TiO 2 nanoparticles. The enhanced performance was attributed to facilitated migration of CO* from Cu to the Bi 2 O 3 surface.