Photostable core-shell CdS/ZIF-8 composite for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 is recognized as a promising method to reduce CO2 emission and produce available chemical energy simultaneously. CdS-based photocatalysts have been intensively studied for CO2 reduction, due to their excellent optical response and suitable band structures. However, the photocorrosion of CdS seriously restricts their application. To reduce the photocorrosion, CdS/ZIF-8 composites with core-shell structures are prepared. The experimental results show that the modification of ZIF-8 shell can not only improve the photostability of CdS, but also enhance its CO2 adsorption capacity without impairing its light harvesting ability. CdS/ZIF-8 catalyst shows higher efficiency and better selectivity than that of unmodified CdS in photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, which is attributed to its higher CO2 adsorption capability. Moreover, CdS/ZIF-8 composites exhibit high photostability.