Boosting CO2-to-CO conversion: MNB(X) photocatalyst enables highly efficient photocatalytic reduction

The photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into value-added chemicals represents a promising strategy for addressing both environmental challenges and the global energy crisis. In this study, a BiOCl-based photocatalyst with a thin-layered architecture enriched with oxygen vacancies (OVs) was synthesized via a hydrothermal approach. To further enhance its photocatalytic performance, a porous carbon material was integrated into the BiOCl matrix. Among the prepared composites, the MNB(1:1) photocatalyst exhibited the highest activity for CO₂ reduction, achieving a CO production rate of 65.47 μ mol·g⁻¹ after 4 h of irradiation under simulated sunlight. This superior performance could be attributed to the enhanced charge separation efficiency and expanded visible-light absorption range. Additionally, the introduction of porous carbon significantly increased the specific surface area and CO₂ adsorption capacity of the composite, thereby offering more accessible active sites for photocatalytic reactions. This work provided valuable insights into the rational design of low-cost, efficient, and stable BiOCl-based photocatalysts for solar-driven CO₂ reduction.