Nitrogen-doped graphene-supported copper complex: a novel photocatalyst for CO2 reduction under visible light irradiation

Abstract

A copper(II) complex grafted to nitrogen-doped graphene (GrN₇₀₀–CuC) was synthesized and then demonstrated as an efficient photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction into methanol under visible light irradiation using a DMF/water mixture. The chemical and microstructural features of GrN₇₀₀–CuC nanosheets were studied by FTIR, XPS, XRD and HRTEM analyses. Owing to its truly heterogeneous nature, GrN₇₀₀–CuC could be easily recovered after the photocatalytic reaction and showed efficient recyclability for subsequent runs.