Polytriazine@CdS nanosheets as photosensitizer free catalyst for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Abstract

The development of CdS-based photocatalysts with the appropriate bandgap structure, impressive optical response, and long-lasting reusability is both crucial and challenging. The heterogeneous catalyst, made up of polytriazine and CdS, demonstrates exceptional photogenerated charge separation and transfer capabilities, as well as superior CO₂ adsorption abilities. In this study, we have shown that the CO₂ photoassisted reduction efficiency of CdS nanosheets can be significantly improved through surface modification with a polytriazine polymer coating. The PP@CdS photocatalyst has been thoroughly characterized using techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, N₂ adsorption-desorption, CO₂ adsorption, DRS, XPS, and photoelectric performance tests. The catalytic performance of the PP@CdS was assessed through photoassisted CO₂ reduction reactions under visible light irradiation in an aqueous medium at 25 ℃. Owing to its enhanced CO₂ adsorption capacity and the efficient separation and utilization of photogenerated electrons, the PP@CdS photocatalyst demonstrated a CO yield (6.7 μmol/g/h) 1.3 times greater and a CH₄ yield (4.2 μmol/g/h) 1.3 times higher than that of bare CdS nanosheets. Furthermore, the PP@CdS photocatalyst demonstrated outstanding reusability in CO₂ reduction reactions. This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the CO₂ adsorption capacity and modulating the bandgap structure of polymer-coated semiconductor materials.