Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to methanol integrated with the oxidative coupling of thiols for S–X (X = S, C) bond formation over an Fe3O4/BiVO4 composite

Abstract

A dual functional approach for CO₂ reduction coupled with oxidative organic synthesis in a single reaction system is a promising way to get CO₂ reduction products with the co-production of high-value chemicals using light energy under mild conditions. Herein, we report an integrated approach in which CO₂ acts as an oxidant that affords the oxidative homocoupling of thiols to disulfides and cross-coupling of organohalides to thioethers along with the simultaneous production of methanol over a heterostructured composite of iron(III) oxide and bismuth vanadate (Fe₃O₄/BiVO₄) under visible light irradiation. The developed protocol provides an economical and fascinating organic synthesis combined with methanol production by simultaneously utilising photo-excited electrons and holes more efficiently in a single reaction system. Hence, the present study opens up new opportunities for solar fuel generation from CO₂ integrated with the synthesis of value-added fine chemicals.