Low-coordinated surface atoms of CuPt alloy cocatalysts on TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic conversion of CO2

Abstract

We report the photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to CH₄ using CuPt alloy nanoclusters anchored on TiO₂. As the size of CuPt alloy nanoclusters decreases, the photocatalytic activity improves significantly. Small CuPt nanoclusters strongly bind CO₂ intermediates and have a stronger interaction with the TiO₂ support, which also contributes to an increased CH₄ generation rate. The alloying and size effects prove to be the key to efficient CO₂ reduction, highlighting a strategic platform for the design of photocatalysts for CO₂ conversion.