Robust construction of CeNi quantum dots/Ni-MOL nanosheets for superior photocatalytic CO 2 reduction

Since the intensification of global environmental pollution and energy shortages, photocatalytic CO reduction reaction (CO RR) has emerged as a promising strategy to convert solar energy into clean chemical energy. Herein, we construct a robust and efficient heterojunction construction photocatalyst for CO RR, composed of the highly reactive CeNi quantum dots (CeNi QDs) and nickel metal-organic layer (Ni-MOL) ultrathin nanosheets. This design facilitates the rapid separation of photogenerated charge carriers, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and other characterizations. Mechanistic studies with in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) and the d-band center calculation indicate that the propensity of photocatalyst for CO absorption and CO desorption, leading to high performance and selectivity. The optimized loading amount of CeNi quantum dots and modified structure result in a CO yield of 30.53 mmol·g within 6 h under irradiation. This work not only paves a new and convenient way for developing high-activity quantum dot materials for CO RR but also exploits novel avenues to fabricate more heterojunction composites for solar energy conversion.