Magnetic-Field-Regulated TiO2 {100} Facets: A Strategy for C-C Coupling in CO2 Photocatalytic Conversion

Summary

Solar-driven CO₂ conversion is an attractive option for producing usable fuels and chemicals. However, traditionally synthesized TiO₂ materials suffer from the low activity of CO₂ conversion into multi-carbon products. In this study, for the first time, strong magnetic fields were introduced into the synthesis of TiO₂. By regulating the splitting ratio of high-angle and low-angle quantum orbitals, we developed a new type of TiO₂{100} facets containing more active low-coordinate Ti atoms. In-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and DFT calculations both revealed that the interfacial charge redistribution and lattice structure of such TiO₂{100} are beneficial to the coupling of adsorbed CO∗. This enables highly efficient conversion of CO₂ into C₂H₅OH with a yield rate of 6.16 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is 22-fold higher than that of pristine TiO₂. This strategy provides a new platform for desirable photocatalyst synthesis and furthers our understanding of the relationship between atomic orbital control and CO₂ conversion.