Surface activation of cobalt oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to methane

Abstract

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles, by surface activation, successfully promoted photocatalytic CO2 reduction with a high efficiency and selectivity in aqueous media. Treatment with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) resulted in the formation of an active form of Co3O4, removed surfactants, and coordinated Br on the surface, thereby enhancing the catalytic efficiency of CO2 reduction to methane.