Photoredox-catalyzed coupling of CO2 reduction and amines oxidation by Cu doped CdS quantum dots

• Published in: Molecular catalysis Vol. 554; p. 113858
• Main Authors: Gao, Long-Hui, Xiao, Wei-Yun, Qi, Ming-Yu, Li, Jing-Yu, Tan, Chang-Long, Tang, Zi-Rong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2024
• Subjects: CO2 reduction; Cu doping; C−N coupling; Redox photocatalysis; Syngas production; Cu doping; C−N coupling; CO2 reduction; Syngas production; Redox photocatalysis
• ISSN: 2468-8231; 2468-8231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2024.113858

•Cu doped semiconductor CdS quantum dots (Cu:CdS QDs) are synthesized.•Coupling of CO2 reduction and amines oxidation is realized in one photoredox cycle.•The catalytic mechanism is unveiled for this dual-functional photoredox system. Solar-driven carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction integrated with selective organic synthesis proposes a sustainable paradigm to achieve carbon neutrality concomitantly with value-added fuels and chemicals production. Here, we report the synergistic coupling reaction of CO2 reduction and amines oxidation to syngas and secondary amines over Cu doped CdS quantum dots (Cu:CdS QDs) under visible light. This system is compatible with various amines to afford the corresponding secondary amines with outstanding selectivity. Notably, the syngas CO/H2 ratio can be obtained in a window from 1:2 to 2:1 by altering the Cu doping content. Mechanistic studies unveil that doped Cu not only improves the charge separation efficiency, but also serves as active sites for the adsorption/activation of CO2, thus adjusting the syngas ratio. This work is envisaged to enable a viable strategy for the rational design of transition metal-doped semiconductor QDs toward the co-production of syngas and high-value chemicals in one photoredox cycle. [Display omitted]