Unique S-scheme heterojunctions in self-assembled TiO<sub>2</sub>/CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> hybrids for CO<sub>2</sub> photoreduction.

Xu, Feiyan; Meng, Kai; Cheng, Bei; Wang, Shengyao; Xu, Jingsan; Yu, Jiaguo · Nat Commun · 2020

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Exploring photocatalysts to promote CO<sub>2</sub> photoreduction into solar fuels is of great significance. We develop TiO<sub>2</sub>/perovskite (CsPbBr<sub>3</sub>) S-scheme heterojunctions synthesized by a facile electrostatic-driven self-assembling approach. Density functional theory calculation combined with experimental studies proves the electron transfer from CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> quantum dots (QDs) to TiO<sub>2</sub>, resulting in the construction of internal electric field (IEF) directing from CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> to TiO<sub>2</sub> upon hybridization. The IEF drives the photoexcited electrons in TiO<sub>2</sub> to CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> upon light irradiation as revealed by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, suggesting the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction in the TiO<sub>2</sub>/CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanohybrids which greatly promotes the separation of electron-hole pairs to foster efficient CO<sub>2</sub> photoreduction. The hybrid nanofibers unveil a higher CO<sub>2</sub>-reduction rate (9.02 μmol g<sup>-1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>) comparing with pristine TiO<sub>2</sub> nanofibers (4.68 μmol g<sup>-1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>). Isotope (<sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub>) tracer results confirm that the reduction products originate from CO<sub>2</sub> source.