Photoinduction of Cu Single Atoms Decorated on UiO-66-NH₂ for Enhanced Photocatalytic Reduction of CO₂ to Liquid Fuels

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to value-added fuels is a promising route to reduce global warming and enhance energy supply. However, poor selectivity and low efficiency of catalysts are usually the limiting factor of their applicability. Herein, a photoinduction method was developed to achieve the formation of Cu single atoms on a UiO-66-NH2 support (Cu SAs/UiO-66-NH2) that could significantly boost the photoreduction of CO2 to liquid fuels. Notably, the developed Cu SAs/UiO-66-NH2 achieved the solar-driven conversion of CO2 to methanol and ethanol with an evolution rate of 5.33 and 4.22 μmol h-1 g-1, respectively. These yields were much higher than those of pristine UiO-66-NH2 and Cu nanoparticles/UiO-66-NH2 composites. Theoretical calculations revealed that the introduction of the Cu SAs on the UiO-66-NH2 greatly facilitates the conversion of CO2 to CHO* and CO* intermediates, leading to excellent selectivity toward methanol and ethanol. This study provides new insights for designing high-performance catalyst for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 at the atomic scale.