Bandgap energy controlling of quaternary metal sulfide-graphene-ZnO ternary nanocomposite for photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Graphene-based semiconductor materials are commonly used in CO2 reduction experiments to provide stability against climate change and energy crises. The lack of charge separation, insufficient active area, and unsuccessful junctions are deficiencies in poor semiconductor materials. This study addresses these deficiencies by designing a ternary nanomaterial structure containing a quaternary chalcogenide nanocomposite for bandgap energy control. Alpha-hydroxide carboxylic acids have been used to synthesize quaternary chalcogenides. Its primary function is to form a chain by inducing transition metal interactions. The AgFeNi2S4-Graphene-ZnO ternary photocatalyst was synthesized using a modified solvothermal method and used for the photoreduction of CO2. The photoreduction of CO2 was conducted under various conditions, such as different light sources (λ = 254 and 565 nm), using two types of electron donors to increase the diffusion of CO2 and prolong the decay time of surface electrons. The hybrid AgFeNi2S4-Graphene-ZnO photocatalyst showed high levels of CO2 reduction to methanol because of the improved charge transfer between graphene, ZnO, and quaternary chalcogenide nanocomposites with successful interconnection. The stability and recyclability of the photocatalysts were determined after six-times recycling tests. This study offers a promising strategy for reducing CO2 emissions and creating a high-capacity catalyst for the production of hydrocarbon fuels.