Abstract:
The sustainability of modern life is threatened by rising energy demand and climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption. Solar-driven conversion of CO₂ and H₂O into fuels offers a clean and renewable solution, yet its efficiency remains limited. Advancing this field requires both highly efficient photocatalysts and a deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms.[1] Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has emerged as a promising photocatalyst due to its unique optical, electronic, and structural properties,[2] but its low surface area and rapid charge recombination restrict performance. To overcome these challenges, modification strategies such as combinatorial eco-friendly synthesis,[3] exfoliation,[4] defect and porosity engineering, dual doping,[5] and single-atom site incorporation have been explored. Our work aims not only to enhance solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency but also to unravel the interactions among light, matter, and CO₂, as well as the dynamics of charge carriers and the mechanisms of CO₂ reduction.