Abstract
Solar CO2 reduction via photocatalysis enables sustainable carbon-cycle
utilization, yet a challenge to date because of the relatively low
conversion efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate that this photocatalytic
process could be significantly improved by coupling an alternating
magnetic field (AMF). Using NiO/TiO2 as a model photocatalyst, CO2 could
be converted into CH4 in the presence of H2O vapor. Integrating with
AMF, the conversion of CO2 to CH4 increased by 213%. The enhanced
photocatalysis process by AMF coupling can not only increase the carrier
density by inhibiting the combination of photogenerated electron-hole
pairs, but also improve the oxidation ability of the catalyst under
simulated sunlight, and promote the conversion of H2O to O2. Our
investigation also elucidates that the Ni species act as the
adsorption/activation sites of CO2 to promote the reduction of CO2 to
CH4. This work opens a new research door in solar CO2 reduction by
integrating AMF into photocatalysis.