Effects of MOF-MoO3-x derivatives synthesis and oxygen defect engineering on photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 into valuable fuels is considered a promising approach for the development of sustainable and renewable energy sources. In this study, we utilized Mo-MOF as a precursor to obtain MoO 3 by pyrolytic derivatization and treated it to obtain MOF-MoO 3-x containing oxygen vacancies as a catalyst for the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to CO. MOF derivatization altered the morphology of the MoO 3 , which made the formation of oxygen vacancies easier and facilitated the separation of electron-hole pairs. Meanwhile, the increased specific surface area and the appearance of surface oxygen vacancies enhanced the CO 2 adsorption and activation capabilities of MOF-MoO 3-x . As a result, MOF-MoO 3-x demonstrated a significant enhances in the photoreduction activity of CO 2 . Its CO yield was 29.1 μmolg −1 h −1 , which was 3.7 times higher than that of MOF-MoO 3 and 2.4 times higher than that of H-MoO 3-x . This innovative strategy may provide a new avenue for improving the comprehensive performance of photocatalysts and developing renewable energy sources.