Hierarchical Faceted Cesium Tin Iodide Superparticles for Solar based CO2 Reduction

The current global scenario demands more focused mitigation activities and the implementation of stern policies with regards to ever-increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions. Over the past few decades, it has caused much concern, thus dramatically driving the ongoing carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) research. Alluring it sounds, but a far easier CO
2
utilization alternative is its catalytic conversion to value-added fuels, for which, the use of solar irradiation represents an eventual and economical solution. Hierarchical lead-free all-inorganic halide perovskites are greatly documented for optoelectronics and photovoltaic applications but have rarely been used for CO
2
photoreduction. Herein, we report on the synthesis of cesium tin iodide (CsSnI3) and its employability as photocatalysts to convert CO
2
gas into value-added hydrocarbon fuels. Under the natural sunlight, artificial solar, and ultraviolet (UV) illumination, the hierarchical CsSnI3 superparticles progressively produced and infused electrons under ambient conditions, thereby catalyzing CO
2
reduction to carbon monoxide (CO) at a rate of ~89,~75, and 8 μmol/g with selectivity over 90, 85 and 32%, respectively. The study presented here is foreseen to open many new opportunities towards the utilization of lead-free all-inorganic halide perovskite materials for energy generation through carbon emission utilization.