Robust construction of CeNi quantum dots/Ni-MOL nanosheets for superior photocatalytic CO₂ reduction

Since the intensification of global environmental pollution and energy shortages, photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) has emerged as a promising strategy to convert solar energy into clean chemical energy. Herein, we construct a robust and efficient heterojunction construction photocatalyst for CO₂RR, composed of the highly reactive CeNi quantum dots (CeNi QDs) and nickel metal-organic layer (Ni-MOL) ultrathin nanosheets. This design facilitates the rapid separation of photogenerated charge carriers, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and other characterizations. Mechanistic studies with in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) and the d-band center calculation indicate that the propensity of photocatalyst for CO₂ absorption and CO desorption, leading to high performance and selectivity. The optimized loading amount of CeNi quantum dots and modified structure result in a CO yield of 30.53 mmol·g^-1 within 6 h under irradiation. This work not only paves a new and convenient way for developing high-activity quantum dot materials for CO₂RR but also exploits novel avenues to fabricate more heterojunction composites for solar energy conversion.