Enhanced charge separation of rutile TiO2 nanorods by trapping holes and transferring electrons for efficient cocatalyst-free photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to fuels

Abstract

Modification with chloride and phosphate anions, and coupling with carbon nanotubes could effectively trap holes and transfer the electrons of rutile nanorods, respectively, so as to greatly promote photogenerated charge separation, leading to an obviously-improved cocatalyst-free photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to CH₄ and CO, along with the positive effects of constructed phosphate bridges.