Amorphous Metallic Cobalt-Based Organophosphonic Acid Compounds as Novel Photocatalysts to Boost Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

Photocatalytic carbon dioxide conversion is a promising method for generating carbon fuels, in which the most important thing is to adjust the catalyst material to improve the photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity to conversion products, but it is still very challenging. In order to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ photoreduction, it is important to develop an appropriate photocatalyst. The present study focuses on developing a simple and effective hydrothermal reaction treatment to improve the catalytic efficiency of transition metal cobalt (Co) and organophosphonates. Photoexcited charge carriers are separated and transferred efficiently during this treatment, which enhances CO₂ chemisorption. Under visible light exposure, the best performing catalyst, CoP-4, showed 2.4 times higher activity than Co₃O₄ (19.90 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹) for reducing CO₂ into CO, with rates up to 47.16 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹. This approach provides a viable route to enhancing the efficiency of CO₂ photoreduction.