Bi/2 H-MoS_2−x composite for efficient photo-thermal synergistic catalytic CO₂ reduction

The high carrier recombination rate and poor photocorrosion resistance of intrinsic MoS₂ lead to a poor photocatalytic CO₂ reduction activity. Here, the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance of 2 H-MoS₂ was significantly enhanced by constructing Bi/2 H-MoS_2−x composite and photo-thermal synergy strategy. Under the optimal conditions of 200 °C and 42 mW·cm^-2 of 420 nm irradiation, Bi/2 H-MoS_2−x exhibited an excellent photo-thermal synergistic catalytic activity of CO₂ reduction with a CO production rate of 34.42 μmol^-1·g^-1·h^-1. Mechanistic studies showed that the introduction of Bi greatly improved the light absorption ability, generated S vacancies as electron capture centers for rapid separation of photocarriers, and promoted the generation of key intermediates. The involvement of heat led to a photo-thermal synergistic effect, which accelerated the charge migration and surface reaction rate. Our work provides new insights into the development of efficient catalysts for CO₂ reduction and the mechanism study of photo-thermal synergistic catalysis.