Construction of BiVO4@ NiCo2O3 Heterojunction to Promote Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Abstract

Constructing a catalyst capable of reducing CO₂ through photoreduction in aqueous environments presents a significant challenge. In this study, we present the synthesis of BiVO₄@NiCo₂O₃ heterojunction using a straightforward hydrothermal method for CO₂ photoreduction. The sample with the optimal loading ratio demonstrates a CO generation rate of 7.202 μmol ⋅ g⁻¹ ⋅ h⁻¹, which is twice that of pure BiVO₄ (3.626 μmol ⋅ g⁻¹ ⋅ h⁻¹) and 1.5 times that of pure NiCo₂O₃ (4.726 μmol ⋅ g⁻¹ ⋅ h⁻¹). Analysis using XPS and EPR techniques suggests that electron transfer at the interface of the heterojunction facilitates the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the photocatalytic process. This investigation offers a viable approach for developing photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction in aqueous environments.