Construction atomic-level N-P charge transfer channel for boosted CO₂ photoreduction

Efficient conversion of CO₂ to high value-added chemical products is a promising strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. Although the photocatalyst technique has been made widespread researched, highly efficient photoreduction CO₂ with metal-free photocatalysts remains a challenge. Herein, we report a zero-dimensional black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs)-decorated one-dimensional carbon nitride nanotubes (CNNT) photocatalyst that reduces CO₂ to CO with a rate of 44.6 μmol g^–1 h^–1, which is better than the similar photocatalysts and pristine carbon nitride nanotubes. Synchrotron radiation XAFS measurements substantiate the construction of N-P electron transfer channels within BPQDs and CNNT. Time-resolved PL spectrum demonstrates the faster separated electron hole pairs. In situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the photogenerated-electron flow trend and the active site of photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the main intermediate *COOH is verified by in situ FT-IR characterization which is corresponding to the previous research. The construction of atomic-level N-P charge transfer channel efficiently facilitates the charge transfer and accelerates the catalytic rate. This work provides a novel insight into the design of BPQDs-anchoring heterostructures for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.