CdSe/ZIF-8-x: synthesis and photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance

The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is an effective way to solve the greenhouse effect. Different kinds of materials, such as semiconductors, coordination compounds, and bioenzymes, have been widely investigated to increase the efficiency of the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. However, a high selectivity and great stability are still challenges for material scientists. Here, we report for the first time visible light photocatalytic CO2 reduction by a series of CdSe/ZIF-8 nanocomposites combining the excellent CO2 adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 and the narrow energy gap of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The composites show a higher catalytic performance than those of the pure components. Among CdSe/ZIF-8-x (x = n(CdSe)/n(ZIF-8)), the highest yield (42.317 mu mol g(-1)) for reducing CO2 to CO in 12 h, was obtained using nanocomposites with a ratio of 0.42 (n(CdSe)/n(ZIF-8)) within the range of investigation.