Construction of a 2D@0D InVO4@MnWO4 S-scheme for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO

Abstract

Mimicking photosynthesis to convert CO₂ and H₂O into value-added chemicals represents an optimal approach to mitigate energy shortages and environmental pollution, and the development of highly efficient and selective photocatalysts for CO₂ to CO conversion is essential for the effective utilization of CO₂ resources. Herein, a novel 2D@0D InVO₄@MnWO₄ S-scheme heterojunction composite is successfully developed via an in situ hydrothermal method, achieving the conversion of CO₂ into CO under visible light irradiation using H₂O as a reducing agent, without any noble metal cocatalysts or sacrificial reagents. The CO generation rate over the optimal InVO₄@MnWO₄ composite reaches 6.20 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is approximately 4.50 times than that of InVO₄. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the charge separation facilitated by the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction between InVO₄ and MnWO₄. This work is expected to provide a new insight for the design of highly selective photocatalysts for the conversion of CO₂ to CO.