Multisite-steered C–C coupling for photocatalytic air-concentration CO2 reduction into C2H6

Efforts to photoconvert carbon dioxide (CO2) into C2 products are primarily hindered by the significant energy barrier of C–C coupling step. Herein, we incorporate active metal particles with localized surface plasmon resonance on metal oxide nanosheets. Also, we construct multiple metal pair sites to boost C–C coupling, thus promoting the formation of C2 fuels. Taking Au nanoparticles on the Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets as an example, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy illuminate the Au-Ti metal pair sites on the Au-Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectra reveal the presence of the *OCCOH intermediate on the surface of Au-Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets during CO2 photoreduction, while the intermediate is not detected on the Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets. Accordingly, the Au-Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets realize photoreduction of atmospheric-concentration CO2 into ethane using a single catalyst. By contrast, the Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets alone are limited to producing C1 products such as carbon monoxide and methane. (Figure presented.)