Sustained CO(2)-photoreduction activity and high selectivity over Mn, C-codoped ZnO core-triple shell hollow spheres

Solar conversion of CO(2) into energy-rich products is one of the sustainable solutions to lessen the global energy shortage and environmental crisis. Pitifully, it is still challenging to attain reliable and affordable CO(2) conversion. Herein, we demonstrate a facile one-pot approach to design core-triple shell Mn, C-codoped ZnO hollow spheres as efficient photocatalysts for CO(2) reduction. The Mn ions, with switchable valence states, function as “ionized cocatalyst” to promote the CO(2) adsorption and light harvesting of the system. Besides, they can capture photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of ZnO and provide the electrons for CO(2) reduction. This process is continuous due to the switchable valence states of Mn ions. Benefiting from such unique features, the prepared photocatalysts demonstrated fairly good CO(2) conversion performance. This work is endeavoured to shed light on the role of ionized cocatalyst towards sustainable energy production.