Piezoelectric effect-assisted Z-scheme heterojunction ZnIn2S4/BaTiO3 for improved photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO

Converting CO 2 into high-value-added chemicals by artificial photosynthesis technology effectively solves environmental problems and energy shortages. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to improve CO 2 conversion rates due to low photo-utilization and rapid electron-hole recombination. In this study, we successfully synthesized direct Z-scheme ZnIn 2 S 4 /BaTiO 3 heterojunction structure by a hydrothermal method. Specifically, compared with previous studies of various heterojunction catalysts, ZnIn 2 S 4 /BaTiO 3 heterojunction structure achieved a remarkably high yield of 105.89 μmol g -1 h - 1 , increasing 2.55 and 3.62-fold over the individual performance of ZnIn 2 S 4 and BaTiO 3 , respectively. Our investigation of photocatalytic mechanism suggest that the improved photocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the piezoelectric effect and Z-scheme electron transfer mechanism. These effects can synergistically enhance space charge separation and retain photogenerated electrons, thereby facilitating a more efficient CO 2 reduction process. Consequently, this innovative piezoelectric effect-assisted Z-scheme heterojunction demonstrates immense potential to offer a novel strategy for addressing CO 2 reduction challenges and advancing sustainable energy development.