MAPbBr3/Bi2WO6 Z-scheme-heterojunction photocatalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction has emerged as a promising strategy for converting solar energy into valuable chemicals, capturing the attention of scientists across various disciplines. Organic and inorganic perovskites, particularly methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr(3)), have demonstrated potential in this field due to their remarkable visible-light response and carrier transport properties. However, the catalytic performance of pristine MAPbBr(3) has been limited by severe charge recombination, hindering its applicability in photocatalytic systems. Here, we show that a MAPbBr(3)/Bi2WO6 (MA/BWO) heterojunction significantly enhances photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance compared to individual pristine MA or BWO. This enhancement is evidenced by the superior performance of the 25% MA/BWO composite, which exhibits CO and CH4 release rates of 1.82 mu mol/g/h and 0.08 mu mol/g/h, respectively. This improvement is attributed to the direct Z-scheme heterojunction formed between MAPbBr(3) and Bi2WO6, which facilitates efficient charge separation and suppresses charge recombination. The results challenge the previous understanding of MAPbBr(3)-based photocatalysts and demonstrate a novel approach for developing highly active organic and inorganic perovskite photocatalysts. The successful application of the MA/BWO heterojunction in photocatalytic CO2 reduction expands the scope of organic and inorganic perovskites in the field of renewable energy conversion. By providing a broader perspective, our findings contribute to the ongoing efforts towards sustainable energy solutions, appealing to scientists from various disciplines aiming to address global environmental challenges.