Rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of CuBi2O4 and its application for the artificial photosynthesis.

Abstract

Strategies for CO2 reforming for hydrocarbon production using ultraviolet or visible radiation are promising to mitigate environmental impacts from other human activities. Semiconductors act as photocatalysts for light-to-fuel conversion, but a rigorous control of their structure and morphology is crucial for high efficiency and selectivity. Thus, CuBi2O4 semiconductors have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and studied for the CO2 photoreduction process. This method produced crystalline materials with controlled morphology using low temperatures and short processing time. Moreover, the semiconductors showed excellent catalytic performance and selectivity, approximately 90% in the conversion of CO2 to CH4. Therefore, our new synthesis approach was adequate for CuBi2O4 preparation, providing an essential indication of activity in the CO2 photoreduction process.