Rational construction of Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles on covalent triazine-based framework for artificial CO2 reduction

Artificial photoreduction of CO2 to chemical fuel is an intriguing and reliable strategy to tackle the issues of energy crisis and climate change simultaneously. In the present study, we rationally constructed a Ni (OH)(2)-modified covalent triazine-based framework (CTF-1) composites to serve as cocatalyst ensemble for superior photoreduction of CO2. In particular, the optimal Ni(OH)(2)-CTF-1 composites (loading ratio at 0.5 wt%) exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, which surpassed the bare CTF-1 by 33 times when irradiated by visible light. The mechanism for the enhancement was systematically investigated based on various instrumental analyses. The origin of the superior activity was attributable to the enhanced CO2 capture, more robust visible-light response, and improved charge carrier separation/transfer. This study offers an innovative pathway for the fabrication of noble-metal-free cocatalysts on CTF semiconductors and deepens the understanding of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.