Construction of a 2D@0D InVO4@MnWO4 S-scheme for efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO

Mimicking photosynthesis to convert CO2 and H2O into value-added chemicals represents an optimal approach to mitigate energy shortages and environmental pollution, and the development of highly efficient and selective photocatalysts for CO2 to CO conversion is essential for the effective utilization of CO2 resources. Herein, a novel 2D@0D InVO4@MnWO4 S-scheme heterojunction composite is successfully developed via an in situ hydrothermal method, achieving the conversion of CO2 into CO under visible light irradiation using H2O as a reducing agent, without any noble metal cocatalysts or sacrificial reagents. The CO generation rate over the optimal InVO4@MnWO4 composite reaches 6.20 mu mol g-1 h-1, which is approximately 4.50 times than that of InVO4. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the charge separation facilitated by the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction between InVO4 and MnWO4. This work is expected to provide a new insight for the design of highly selective photocatalysts for the conversion of CO2 to CO.