Solar-wind energy complementary coupling realizes magnetic-field assisted efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction

We report the synthesis of a Z-scheme monolithic photocatalyst in the form of copper foam (CF) supported TiO2 combining Cu2O and Ag nanoparticles (CF@TiO2/Cu2O-Ag). The designed catalysts with efficient charge separation show superior photocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction, with a maximum CO yielding rate of 25.58 μmol‧g-1‧h-1. More importantly, we develop a solar-wind energy complementary device, which enables the strong coupling of the magnetic field into the photocatalytic reaction. Specifically, the in-situ space electric field generated from the wind-driven induced electromotive force further enhances the separation and transportation of photogenerated charge carriers in the Z-scheme system. The productivity of CO in the proof-of-concept device based on the use of CF@TiO2/Cu2O-Ag catalyst reaches 71.66 μmol‧g-1‧h-1. This study provides an ideal approach for reinforcing photocatalytic CO2 reduction through muti-field coupling and highlights the prospect of solar-wind energy coupled photocatalysis.