Visible‐Light Photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 over ZnTe‐Modified TiO2 Coral‐Like Nanostructures. Issue 22 (28th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ehsan, Muhammad Fahad; Khan, Rabia; He, Tao
• Is Part Of: Chemphyschem. Volume 18:Issue 22(2017)
• Page Start: 3203
• Page End: 3210
• Publication Date: 2017-07-28
• Subjects: carbon dioxide fixation -- heterojunctions -- photoreduction -- titania -- ZnTe; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.05
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201700404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4235

Abstract

Abstract: Rapidly depleting fossil fuels and the related environmental issues are two alarming global concerns the world is facing today. To address these issues efficiently, future energy requirements need to be fulfilled by renewable and environmentally friendly resources. In this context, we report the ZnTe‐modified TiO2 photocatalysts with varying amounts of ZnTe (1.96, 16, and 65 %) for the photoreduction of carbon dioxide into methane under visible light. The hydrothermally synthesized photocatalysts have been characterized by using various techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis for surface‐area measurements. The photocatalyst with 1.96 % ZnTe shows the best results, which are attributed to its high BET specific surface area and the formation of a heterojunction at the interface, which can facilitate efficient charge transfer. Abstract : Carbon dioxide fixation : ZnTe‐modified TiO2 photocatalysts with a ZnTe content as low as 1.96 % exhibit good visible‐light activity for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4, which is attributed to its high BET specific surface area and the formation of a p–n junction at the ZnTe/TiO2 interface that can facilitate the charge transfer.