Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to methanol integrated with the oxidative coupling of thiols for S-X (X = S, C) bond formation over an Fe3O4/BiVO4 composite.

Abstract

A dual functional approach for CO2 reduction coupled with oxidative organic synthesis in a single reaction system is a promising way to get CO2 reduction products with the co-production of high-value chemicals using light energy under mild conditions. Herein, we report an integrated approach in which CO2 acts as an oxidant that affords the oxidative homocoupling of thiols to disulfides and cross-coupling of organohalides to thioethers along with the simultaneous production of methanol over a heterostructured composite of iron(iii) oxide and bismuth vanadate (Fe3O4/BiVO4) under visible light irradiation. The developed protocol provides an economical and fascinating organic synthesis combined with methanol production by simultaneously utilising photo-excited electrons and holes more efficiently in a single reaction system. Hence, the present study opens up new opportunities for solar fuel generation from CO2 integrated with the synthesis of value-added fine chemicals.