Porous In₂O₃ Hollow Tube Infused with g-C₃N₄ for CO₂ Photocatalytic Reduction

Converting CO₂ into energy-rich fuels by using solar energy is a sustainable solution that promotes a carbon-neutral economy and mitigates our reliance on fossil fuels. However, affordable and efficient CO₂ conversion remains an ongoing challenge. Here, we introduce polymeric g-C₃N₄ into the pores of a hollow In₂O₃ microtube. This architecture results in a compact and staggered arrangement between g-C₃N₄ and In₂O₃ components with an increased contact interface for improved charge separation. The hollow interior further contributes to strengthening light absorption. The resulting g-C₃N₄-In₂O₃ hollow tubes exhibit superior activity (274 μmol·g^-1·h^-1) toward CO₂ to CO conversion in comparison with those of pure In₂O₃ and g-C₃N₄ (5.5 and 93.6 μmol·g^-1·h^-1, respectively), underlining the role of integrating g-C₃N₄ and In₂O₃ in this advanced system. This work offers a strategy for the advanced design and preparation of hollow heterostructures for optimizing CO₂ adsorption and conversion by integrating inorganic and organic semiconductors.