TiF bridged IL-CuCQDs-F/TiO2 inverse opal composite for boosting CO2 visible-photo reduction via slow photon effect

Photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 exhibits unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance owing to the inefficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, low CO 2 capture efficiency and limited visible light absorption on most photo-catalysts. Herein, Ti F bridged IL-CuCQDs-F/TiO 2 inverse opal composite (IO-CFTi) was constructed for boosting CO 2 visible-photo reduction via slow photo effect. In this work, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA(Cu)) and imidazole ionic liquid 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HOEtMIM][BF 4 ]) were employed to confine grow of IL-CuCQDs-F within TiO 2 inverse opal supporter via Ti F bonds connection. Unique IL-CuCQDs-F efficiently expended light absorption towards visible region, and the confined growth of IL-CuCQDs-F within the TiO 2 inverse opal cavity achieved the photoelectric conversion and efficient CO 2 capture. Moreover, their Ti F bonding interface of IO-CFTi assisted photogenerated electron transportation from TiO 2 to CO 2 for its reduction in this system. Consequently, IO-CFTi achieved a substantially increased CO production rate of 78.1 μmol·h −1 ·g −1 with 98 % selectivity. This improved performance in CO 2 photoreduction positions the nanocomposite as a promising material for preservation of the environment and conversion of energy.