Introducing an insulating alumina layer into a molecular photocathode to improve CO2 reduction activity

Yu Takagi, Masaya Yara, Toshiya Tanaka, Jo Onodera, Minato Tanaka, Megumi Okazaki, Kiyoshi Miyata, Ken Onda,* Osamu Ishitani,* Kazuhiko Maeda*

Interfacial engineering with an Al₂O₃ overlayer enhances visible-light-driven CO₂ reduction on p-type NiO photocathodes incorporating Ru(II)-based photosensitizing molecular units. Operando transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that Al₂O₃ suppresses charge recombination between NiO and the photosensitizer unit, prolonging carrier lifetimes and improving catalytic efficiency.

Chem. Commun. 2026, 62 (32), 8067-8294.

https://doi.org/10.1039/D6CC00558F