New Way for CO2 Reduction under Visible Light by a Combination of a Cu Electrode and Semiconductor Thin Film: Cu2O Conduction Type and Morphology Effect

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Xin Ba ; Li-Li Yan ; Sheng Huang ; Jiaguo Yu ; Xiang-Jun Xia ; Ying Yu
• 刊名：Journal of Physical Chemistry C
• 出版年：2014
• 出版时间：October 23, 2014
• 年：2014
• 卷：118
• 期：42
• 页码：24467-24478
• 全文大小：699K
• ISSN：1932-7455

文摘

How to take advantage of CO₂ has been one of the main issues to be addressed around the world. Although there are many methods to convert CO₂ to organic fuel, the efficiency is still not high enough for practical application. Herein, we have accomplished better conversion of CO₂ by the combination of metal electrode and semiconductor thin films responsive to visible light. First, the deposition of p-type and n-type Cu₂O thin films onto a Cu substrate is successfully achieved. Then, the prepared Cu/Cu₂O samples are used for catalytic reduction of CO₂ in photoelectrochemical systems in comparison with that in photochemical and electrochemical systems. The results show that CH₄ and C₂H₄ are the major hydrocarbon gas products, and the prepared Cu/Cu₂O samples have much higher selectivity for C₂H₄ formation compared with the pure Cu electrode. The best yield for CO₂ reduction is obtained in the photoelectrochemical system under visible light. Additionally, CO₂ conversion efficiency over the Cu/Cu₂O (p-type) electrode is much higher than that over Cu/Cu₂O (n-type) with similar morphology. The morphology of Cu₂O has an effect on the CO₂ reduction activity in the photoelectrochemical system as well. The related mechanism is discussed in detail especially for the reaction in the beginning 15 min. The study will provide us a new way to utilize solar light for efficient conversion of CO₂ into organic fuel.