Two-Dimensional BiOCl Nanosheet-Encapsulated Cu2O Octahedra: p-n Junction Photocatalysts for Efficient Visible Light Driven CO2-to-CH4 Conversion

Abstract

Cu2O has attracted significant attention as a potential photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. However, its practical use is limited by rapid charge recombination, insufficient catalytic sites, and poor stability. In this study, we report a facile synthesis of Cu2O@BiOCl core-shell hybrids with well-defined shape of Cu2O and two-dimensional nanosheet structure of BiOCl. The strategic selection of BiOCl nanosheet promotes the charge separation efficiency via formation of interfacial p-n junction and provides active site for the CO2 reduction leading for enhanced photocatalytic CO2-to-CH4 conversion efficiency. In addition, the core-shell hybrids also showed improved stability against photocorrosion of Cu2O. These findings highlight the potential of Cu2O@BiOCl core-shell hybrids as robust and efficient photocatalysts for sustainable fuel production.

Keywords: Core-shell hybrids * photocatalysts * p-n junction * CO2 reduction * CH4 production.