Improving CO₂ photoconversion with ionic liquid and Co single atoms

This research explores enhancing photocatalytic CO₂ conversion by employing an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) and borate-anchored Co single atoms on ultrathin g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. The optimized nanocomposite achieved a 42-fold increase in photoactivity compared to g-C₃N₄, with near 100% selectivity for CO₂ reduction to CO and CH₄. Experimental and theoretical findings show that the ionic liquid facilitates electron extraction and CO₂ reduction, while Co single atoms trap holes and catalyze water oxidation. In-situ transient absorption spectroscopy revealed a 35.3% maximum electron transfer efficiency, attributed to the synergistic effects of the ionic liquid and Co single atoms. This approach offers a promising strategy for efficient CO₂ conversion into valuable chemicals.

Yang Liu, Jianhui Sun, Houhou Huang, Linlu Bai, Xiaomeng Zhao, Binhong Qu, Lunqiao Xiong, Fuquan Bai, Junwang Tang, Liqiang Jing