Highly Selective Photoelectrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid

Harvesting solar energy and converting excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere into energetic products hold promise in addressing both problems of detrimental energy use and serious greenhouse gas effects. Catalytic activity and selectivity were the most important aspects of this investigation. Herein, an N-Fe2O3/TiO2 catalyst was reported as well as the development of a customized method for regulating the catalytic properties and mechanism for CO2 reduction. This method enabled elevated electron transfer and regulated formation of target products (formic acid and ethanol) and control of the specific product proportions. Under optimal photoelectrochemical selective conditions, the maximal rate of formic acid production reached 74896.13 nmol h–1 cm–2 with a selectivity of 99.89%. Such a catalyst and controlled artificial methods can ensure catalyst selectivity and activity and offer potential applications in the production of useful chemicals from CO2 carbon feedstock.