1 research outputs found
MOF-Derived Defective Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> Nanosheets in Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites for CO<sub>2</sub> Photoreduction and H<sub>2</sub> Production
In photocatalysis, especially in CO2 reduction
and H2 production, the development of multicomponent nanomaterials
provides great opportunities to tune many critical parameters toward
increased activity. This work reports the development of tunable organic/inorganic
heterojunctions comprised of cobalt oxides (Co3O4) of varying morphology and modified carbon nitride (CN), targeting
on optimizing their response under UVāvisible irradiation.
MOF structures were used as precursors for the synthesis of Co3O4. A facile solvothermal approach allowed the
development of ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) Co3O4 nanosheets (Co3O4-NS). The optimized
CN and Co3O4 structures were coupled forming
heterojunctions, and the content of each part was optimized. Activity
was significantly improved in the nanocomposites bearing Co3O4-NS compared with the corresponding bulk Co3O4/CN composites. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed
a 100-fold increase in charge carrier lifetime on Co3O4-NS sites in the composite compared with the bare Co3O4-NS. The improved photocatalytic activity in H2 production and CO2 reduction is linked with (a) the larger
interface imposed from the matching 2D structure of Co3O4-NS and the planar surface of CN, (b) improvements in
charge carrier lifetime, and (c) the enhanced CO2 adsorption.
The study highlights the importance of MOF structures used as precursors
in forming advanced materials and the stepwise functionalization of
the individual parts in nanocomposites for the development of materials
with superior activity