Dual photocatalysis for CO2 reduction along with the oxidative coupling of benzylamines promoted by Cu/Cu2O@g-C3N4 under visible irradiation

Abstract

The present work describes the twin functional photocatalysis promoted by a Cu/Cu₂O decorated g-C₃N₄ heterojunction where the electrons at the Cu/Cu₂O surface reduced CO₂ to methanol selectively and holes facilitated oxidative coupling of benzylamines without any external sacrificial electron donors under ambient conditions. The heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared by refluxing g-C₃N₄ with copper precursors at 70 °C. The structural and morphological properties of the heterojunction were determined using XRD, FTIR, XPS, UV-vis, HR-TEM and PL spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical measurements determined the electronic and photoactive properties. Following this twin strategy of CO₂ utilization along with the oxidation of organic compounds into other valuable chemicals in a single process may provide new opportunities for sustainable development and maintain the atom economy.