Photocatalytic CO <sub>2</sub> Reduction to Acetone by Chiral HgS/CuO Heterojunctions
Abstract
ABSTRACT The efficient conversion of CO 2 into value‐added C 3 chemicals is highly desirable yet remains challenging due to the complex multi‐electron transfer and C‐C coupling processes involved. In particular, acetone is an industrially important solvent and chemical feedstock, and its direct synthesis from CO 2 via photocatalysis represents a sustainable alternative to fossil‐based routes. Herein, we report chiral CuO/HgS heterojunction photocatalysts for additive‐free photocatalytic CO 2 reduction to acetone. Chiral CuO and HgS were synthesized using chiral molecules as symmetry‐directing agents and subsequently assembled into heterojunctions with controlled handedness combinations. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirm the successful construction of chiral interfaces. Photocatalytic tests reveal that the heterojunction catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced CO 2 conversion efficiency and acetone selectivity compared to single components. The optimized system delivers improved charge separation efficiency, increased photocurrent response, and prolonged carrier lifetimes. This work demonstrates an effective heterojunction design strategy for promoting C 3 product formation from CO 2 and provides a sustainable approach for green acetone synthesis.
Article Details
Authors (11)
Xuelong Bi
State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem‐Bio Synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center For Transformative Molecules Shanghai Key Laboratory For Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
Chaoyang Chu
Yanhang Ma
School of Physical Science and Technology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-Resolution Electron Microscopy
Xiaozhi Su
Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute
Xueli Wang
State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy
Jinquan Chen
State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy
Wanning Zhang
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs
Yongping Cui
Jinping Jia
State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem‐Bio Synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center For Transformative Molecules Shanghai Key Laboratory For Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
Shunai Che
State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem‐Bio Synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center For Transformative Molecules Shanghai Key Laboratory For Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
Yuxi Fang
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs