Creation of SnxNb1−xO2 solid solution through heavy Nb-doping in SnO2 to boost its photocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2+ products under simulated solar illumination

Abstract Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction driven by green solar energy could be a promising approach for the carbon neutral practice. In this work, novel defect engineering was developed to form Sn x Nb 1− O solid solution heavy substitutional Nb-doping of SnO through robust hydrothermal process. The detailed analysis demonstrated that substitution 4+ higher valence 5+ created more suitable band structure, better photogenerated charge carrier separation and transfer, stronger adsorption due presence abundant acid centers excess electrons on its surface. Thus, sample much photocatalytic performance compared pristine without need sacrificial agent. Its efficiency reached ∼292.47 µmol/(g·h), which 19 times sample. Furthermore, main product preferred multi-carbon (C 2+ ) compound C H 5 OH, while one-carbon 1 CH 3 OH. This work that, doping high cations in metal oxides may enhance modulate process, produce products. material design strategy readily applied various systems exploration high-performance photocatalysts solar-driven reduction.