Sulfur electron bridge mediating CuInS2/CuS heterostructure for highly selective CO2 photoreduction to C2H4

doi:10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64751-6

Abstract

Abstract:

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into high-value C₂H₄ offers a promising pathway toward carbon neutrality. Due to the continuous 12-electron-proton coupled reactions and the mutual repulsion of reaction intermediates, achieving highly selective photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to C₂H₄ remains challenging. This work synthesized a CuInS₂/CuS heterojunction photocatalyst mediated by a sulfur electron bridge via a one-step solvothermal method, achieving a high selectivity for C₂H₄ conversion (98.22%). The sulfur electron bridge minimized the contact energy barrier between CuInS₂ and CuS to enhance photogenerated carrier separation efficiency, while the asymmetric active sites in CuInS₂ effectively reduced mutual repulsion of reaction intermediates. This work develops a hybrid catalytic system enabling synergistic regulation of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, offering an innovative strategy for highly selective photocatalytic CO₂-to-C₂H₄ production.

Key words: Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, C₂H₄ production, Sulfur electron bridge, Efficient charge separation, High selectivity

Chen Hongjing, Li Yueying, Chen Min, Xie Zhongkai, Shi Weidong. Sulfur electron bridge mediating CuInS₂/CuS heterostructure for highly selective CO₂ photoreduction to C₂H₄[J]. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2025, 75: 180-191.

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URL: https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64751-6

https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/Y2025/V75/I8/180

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1. (a) Schematic illustration of CuInS2/CuS heterojunction synthesis. (b) The SEM image of CuInS2/CuS. (c) The HRTEM images of CuInS2/CuS. (d) Magnified area in (c). (e) HAADF image and the corresponded EDS elemental mappings of CuInS2/CuS.

Fig. 2. (a) XRD spectrums of CuInS2/CuS, CuS and CuInS2. In 3d (b), S 2p (c), and Cu 2p (d) XPS spectra of the as-prepared sample.

Fig. 3. (a) The photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of CuInS2/CuS samples under visible light. (b) Comparison for the electron selectivity of C2H4 with previously reported photocatalysts. (c) Yield of CuInS2/CuS reaction within 15 h. (d) GC-MS analysis for photocatalytic 13CO2 reduction over CuInS2/CuS.

Fig. 4. (a) UV-vis DRS spectra. Obtained bandgaps of CuS (b) and CuInS2 (c) estimated by plotting (αhν)2 (Tauc plot). Mott-Schottky plots of CuS (d) and CuInS2 (e). (f) Band structure of CuInS2/CuS composites.

Fig. 5. The EIS (a), TPR (b), TRPL (c), PL (d) tests of as-prepared sample.

Fig. 6. (a) In situ FT-IR spectroscopy of CuInS2/CuS. (b) The charge density difference of *COCO adsorbed on the CuInS2/CuS surface. (c) Gibbs free energy diagrams of CO2 reduction pathways towards C2H4.

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Sulfur electron bridge mediating CuInS₂/CuS heterostructure for highly selective CO₂ photoreduction to C₂H₄

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