Improving CO2 photoconversion with ionic liquid and Co single atoms

Abstract Photocatalytic CO 2 conversion promises an ideal route to store solar energy into chemical bonds. However, sluggish electron kinetics and unfavorable product selectivity remain unresolved challenges. Here, an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, and borate-anchored Co single atoms were separately loaded on ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets. The optimized nanocomposite photocatalyst produces CO and CH 4 from CO 2 and water under UV–vis light irradiation, exhibiting a 42-fold photoactivity enhancement compared with g-C 3 N 4 and nearly 100% selectivity towards CO 2 reduction. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the ionic liquid extracts electrons and facilitates CO 2…

• LT
  Leverhulme Trust

  Awards: RPG-2017-122, SRF\R1\21000153
• RS
  Royal Society

  Awards: SRF\R1\21000153, NAF\R1\191163
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: U2102211, U1805255
• EA
  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Awards: EP/S018204/2, EP/S018204/2