Dispersed Nickel Phosphide Cocatalyst on Nb2O5 Ultrathin Nanosheets to Boost Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Graphical Tiny NiP nanoparticles dispersed was used as an inexpensive, stable, and active cocatalysts on ultrathin Nb 2 O 5 nanosheets to replace the noble metal Pt. Owing to the extended light harvesting, enhanced carrier separation, and improved surface reaction, the NiP/Nb 2 O 5 exhibits even higher activity and selectivity towards CO 2 photocatalytic reduction. And the roles and function mechanisms of the cocatalyst were studied. Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction holds great promise to solve energy shortage and global warming. Nb 2 O 5 has demonstrated superiority in CO 2 activation and selectivity regulation, but suffers from poor light absorption ability and fast carrier recombination. To tackle these problems, we designed and synthesized ultrathin Nb 2 O 5 nanosheets which were decorated with tiny NiP nanoparticles as cocatalyst. In this way, light absorption range broadened, carrier migration distance reduced, charge transfer resistance decreased, and surface reaction kinetics promoted. Consequently, the as-prepared NiP/Nb 2 O 5 showed notably enhanced activity (148.7 μmol ⋅ g −1 ) and selectivity (82.1 %) towards CO, as well as remarkable stability. This work paves the way for cheap and earth abundant alternatives as cocatalysts and deepens the understanding of their functions in CO 2 photoreduction.