Abundant Manganese Complex-Anchored BiOI Hybrid Photocatalyst for Visible Light-Driven CO2 Reduction

An abundant manganese complex-anchored BiOI hybrid system for CO2 photocatalytic conversion was constructed. Layered BiOI and tricarbonyl Mn bipyridyl complex with carboxyl acid groups were connected with covalent bonds and used as visible light antenna and CO2 reduction reaction centers, respectively. The covalent connection of this hybrid system benefits the transfer of electrons from the semiconductor to the Mn complex. The anchoring group (carboxyl) is the key to CO2 reduction for the direct coupling of the two units, facilitating the transfer of electrons from BiOI to the manganese complexes. The photocatalytic properties and stability of the tricarbonyl Mn–bipyridyl complex were significantly enhanced with the aid of anchored BiOI. A high turnover number ([Formula: see text]) of HCOO− formation from CO2 could be achieved using this hybrid system under visible light irradiation.