Self-Supported Three-Dimensional Quantum Dot Aerogels as a Promising Photocatalyst for CO₂ Reduction

With the merits of quantum dots (QDs) (e.g., high molar extinction coefficient, strong visible light absorption, large specific surface area, and abundant functional active sites) aerogels self-supported architectures, porous network), semiconductor QD show great prospect in photocatalytic applications. However, typical gelation methods rely on oxidative treatments QDs. Moreover, remaining organic ligands mercaptoacids) are still present gels. Both these factors inhibit activity such photocatalysts, hampering their widespread use. Herein, we a facile 3D assembly II–VI QDs capped with inorganic (NH4)2S into using H2O as dispersion solvent. Without any sacrificial agents, resulting CdSe achieve CO generation rate 15 ?mol g–1 h–1, which is 12-fold higher than that pristine-aggregated powders. Our work not only provides strategy to fabricate but also offers platform for designing advanced aerogel-based photocatalysts.