Highly efficient and 100 % selectivity of CO generation via CO Photoreduction over a novel CsBr@CuBr Heterojunction.

To address the global challenge posed by excessive carbon dioxide emissions, our research pioneers the transformation of CO into valuable hydrocarbon fuels. Central to this approach is the innovation of photocatalysts, engineered to exhibit exceptional photoresponse characteristics. In this research, the CsBr@CuBr photocatalyst was innovatively synthesized through a straightforward and effective one-pot method. The catalyst displayed remarkable efficacy, achieving a CO photoreduction rate of 201.47 μmol g within just 4 h. The incorporation of CsBr into CuBr effectively captures excited-state electrons, thereby significantly enhancing charge separation efficiency. Utilizing in situ DRIFTS and DFT theoretical analysis, the experiment reveals the complex process of CO photoreduction to CO. The results of this experiment provide breakthrough insights for the systematic design of metal bromide heterostructures, which possess robust CO adsorption/activation potential and notable stability.