Size Effect of Cu Nanoparticles in Cu/g-C3N4 Composites on Properties for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Methanol

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12711
• Publication Date: 2023-11-08T16:24:47Z
• Authors: Huiliu Zhang; Xingzhuang Ren; Bing Zhang; Aizhong Jia; Yanji Wang

The main goal of this work is to develop cheap photocatalysts for the efficient photocatalytic reduction CO2 methanol with water. A series composites Cu/g-C3N4 were prepared via a solvothermal method. Copper nanoparticle (Cu NP) size in can be easily controlled by adjusting synthesis temperature. material proper Cu NP (CuCN-100) had best property (675 μmol·g-1·h-1) reducing amount at room temperature under normal pressure. particle NPs key factor improve catalytic activity and stability because improved transfer separation photogenerated charges small NPs. Although sample large (CuCN-200) initially gave better than that CuCN-100 due formation double heterojunction, its was thoroughly lost after two runs resulting from continuous photocorrosion. This provides valuable insight preparing semiconductor-metal photocatalysts.