Polytriazine@CdS nanosheets as photosensitizer free catalyst for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2

The development of CdS-based photocatalysts with the appropriate bandgap structure, impressive optical response, and long-lasting reusability is both crucial and challenging. The heterogeneous catalyst, made up of polytriazine and CdS, demonstrates exceptional photogenerated charge separation and transfer capabilities, as well as superior CO2 adsorption abilities. In this study, we have shown that the CO2 photoassisted reduction efficiency of CdS nanosheets can be significantly improved through surface modification with a polytriazine polymer coating. The PP@CdS photocatalyst has been thoroughly characterized using techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, CO2 adsorption, DRS, XPS, and photoelectric performance tests. The catalytic performance of the PP@CdS was assessed through photoassisted CO2 reduction reactions under visible light irradiation in an aqueous medium at 25 ℃. Owing to its enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and the efficient separation and utilization of photogenerated electrons, the PP@CdS photocatalyst demonstrated a CO yield (6.7 μmol/g/h) 1.3 times greater and a CH4 yield (4.2 μmol/g/h) 1.3 times higher than that of bare CdS nanosheets. Furthermore, the PP@CdS photocatalyst demonstrated outstanding reusability in CO2 reduction reactions. This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the CO2 adsorption capacity and modulating the bandgap structure of polymer-coated semiconductor materials. © 2024 The Authors