Photostable core-shell CdS/ZIF-8 composite for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ is recognized as a promising method to reduce CO₂ emission and produce available chemical energy simultaneously. CdS-based photocatalysts have been intensively studied for CO₂ reduction, due to their excellent optical response and suitable band structures. However, the photocorrosion of CdS seriously restricts their application. To reduce the photocorrosion, CdS/ZIF-8 composites with core-shell structures are prepared. The experimental results show that the modification of ZIF-8 shell can not only improve the photostability of CdS, but also enhance its CO₂ adsorption capacity without impairing its light harvesting ability. CdS/ZIF-8 catalyst shows higher efficiency and better selectivity than that of unmodified CdS in photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to CO, which is attributed to its higher CO₂ adsorption capability. Moreover, CdS/ZIF-8 composites exhibit high photostability.