CuO@Cu2V2O7 Z-scheme heterojunction achieves selective CO2 photoreduction to C2H4

Photocatalysis is an effective way to reduce CO ₂ and recycle carbon. However, there are still challenges in slowing down the compounding rate of photogenerated carriers and achieving high selectivity of CO ₂ reduction products. The heterojunction composites of CuO and Cu ₂V ₂O ₇ exhibit exceptional photocatalytic CO ₂ reduction performance due to the functional differences of their metal sites. DFT calculations confirm the formation of the built-in electric field. The photocatalytic activity and stability were enhanced by accelerating the transfer of photogenerated carriers at the heterostructure interface. When exposed to simulated solar radiation, the maximum yield for the C ₂H ₄ is 29.57 μmol g ⁻¹ h ⁻¹ . The efficient electron transfer and intense attraction to CO ₂ of the composite are conducive to strengthening C ₂H ₄ selectivity. This article provides insights into the design of Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for CO ₂ reduction.