A robust perovskite photosensitizer for efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction

Efficient conversion of CO2 to valuable fuels via artificial photosynthesis under visible-light irradiation is of great significance. However, traditional photocatalytic systems based on homogeneous photosensitizers (PSs) usually suffer from high costs and poor stability. Herein, we report all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) as a robust PS for efficient visible-light-driven CO2 photoreduction. This perovskite PS-based photocatalytic system, using NiCo-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a catalyst, offers 204.4 μmol g−1 h−1 of CO evolution rate and 100% selectivity under visible-light irradiation over 35 h. The efficient electron transfer from CsPbBr3 QDs to the catalyst is demonstrated by ultrafast transient absorption analysis. The key role of oleylamine on CsPbBr3 QDs as a sacrificial electron donor in improving the photostability of the photocatalytic system is verified via systematic control experiments. This work sheds light on the rational design of efficient CO2 photocatalytic systems with low cost and long-term photostability.