Engineering Cu/V asymmetric sites for photocatalytic CO2-to-C2H4 conversion by promoting C-C coupling: Achieving 98.24% selectivity through electronic synergy

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.07.030

Abstract

Abstract: The self-assembled flower-like Cu₃VS₄/CuS composite photocatalyst was developed via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The synergistic interplay between dual active sites (Cu and V) and the interfacial built-in electric field (IEF) regulates the stable adsorption/desorption equilibrium of the CO₂ molecule and its intermediates on the catalyst surface. The asymmetric active sites and Cu-S-V chemical bonds cooperatively lower the energy barrier for C-C coupling, facilitating the formation of the critical *CHOCO intermediate and thereby enhancing C₂H₄ selectivity. This work provides novel insights into engineering asymmetric active sites in Cu-based catalysts to promote C-C coupling for advanced CO₂RR systems.

Key words: Cu₃VS₄, CuS, S-type heterostructure, CO₂ photoreduction

Yuxin Sun, Kezhen Lai, Xiaoqing Shi, Linping Li, Ning Li, Yangqin Gao, Lei Ge. Engineering Cu/V asymmetric sites for photocatalytic CO₂-to-C₂H₄ conversion by promoting C-C coupling: Achieving 98.24% selectivity through electronic synergy[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2026, 252: 301-312.

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Engineering Cu/V asymmetric sites for photocatalytic CO₂-to-C₂H₄ conversion by promoting C-C coupling: Achieving 98.24% selectivity through electronic synergy

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