Rationally Designed S‐Scheme CeO2/g‐C3N4 Heterojunction for Promoting Visible Light Driven CO2 Photoreduction into Syngas

Abstract

AbstractExploring low‐cost visible light photocatalysts for CO2 reduction to produce proportionally adjustable syngas is of great significance for meeting the needs of green chemical industry. A S‐Scheme CeO2/g‐C3N4 (CeO2/CN) heterojunction was constructed by using a simple two‐step calcination method. During the photocatalytic CO2 reduction process, the CeO2/CN heterojunction can present a superior photocatalytic performance, and the obtained CO/H2 ratios in syngas can be regulated from 1 : 0.16 to 1 : 3.02. In addition, the CO and H2 production rate of the optimal CeO2/CN composite can reach 1169.56 and 429.12 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. This superior photocatalytic performance is attributed to the unique S‐Scheme photogenerated charge transfer mechanism between CeO2 and CN, which facilitates rapid charge separation and migration, while retaining the excellent redox capacity of both semiconductors. Particularly, the variable valence Ce3+/Ce4+ can act as electron mediator between CeO2 and CN, which can promote electron transfer and improve the catalytic performance. This work is expected to provide a new useful reference for the rational construction of high efficiency S‐Scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, and improve the efficiency of photocatalytic reduction of CO2, promoting the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into useful fuels.