Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction into Methanol Utilizing Sol-Gel-Prepared CeO2-Coupled Bi2O3 Nanocomposite Heterojunctions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction into renewable fuels over semiconductor photocatalysts has emerged as a green and sustainable alternative for energy production. Consequently, tremendous efforts are being performed to develop robust photocatalysts. Therefore, visible-light active nanocomposite composed of 5.0–20.0 wt.% bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) cerium (CeO2) were synthesized by sol-gel-based process. The prepared nanocomposites evaluated the promoted photocatalytic reduction CO2 methanol (CH3OH). Various characterizations obtained exposed an outstanding development crystalline structure, morphology, surface texture due presence Bi2O3. Moreover, absorbance light in visible regime was improved with enhanced charge separation, revealed exploration optical response, photoluminescence, photocurrent measurements. overall bandgap calculations 2.75 eV 15% Bi2O3/CeO2 compared 2.93 pure CeO2. adjusted 2.8 g L?1 dose selectively produced 1300 ?mol g?1 CH3OH after 9 h irradiation. This photocatalyst also exhibits bearable reusability five times. progression is denoted significant separation well mobility. study suggests application metal oxide-based heterojunctions fuel production under light.