Photoinduction of Cu Single Atoms Decorated on UiO-66-NH₂ for Enhanced Photocatalytic Reduction of CO₂ to Liquid Fuels

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to value-added fuels is a promising route to reduce global warming and enhance energy supply. However, poor selectivity and low efficiency of catalysts are usually the limiting factor of their applicability. Herein, a photoinduction method was developed to achieve the formation of Cu single atoms on a UiO-66-NH₂ support (Cu SAs/UiO-66-NH₂) that could significantly boost the photoreduction of CO₂ to liquid fuels. Notably, the developed Cu SAs/UiO-66-NH₂ achieved the solar-driven conversion of CO₂ to methanol and ethanol with an evolution rate of 5.33 and 4.22 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, respectively. These yields were much higher than those of pristine UiO-66-NH₂ and Cu nanoparticles/UiO-66-NH₂ composites. Theoretical calculations revealed that the introduction of the Cu SAs on the UiO-66-NH₂ greatly facilitates the conversion of CO₂ to CHO* and CO* intermediates, leading to excellent selectivity toward methanol and ethanol. This study provides new insights for designing high-performance catalyst for photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ at the atomic scale.