Amine-functionalized ZnO nanosheets for efficient CO₂ capture and photoreduction

Amine-functionalized ZnO nanosheets were prepared through a one-step hydrothermal method by using monoethanolamine, which has a hydroxyl group, for covalent attachment on ZnO and a primary amine group to supply the amine-functionalization. We demonstrate that the terminal amine groups on ZnO surfaces substantially increase the capability of CO₂ capture via chemisorption, resulting in effective CO₂ activation. As a result, the photogenerated electrons from excited ZnO can more readily reduce the surface-activated CO₂, which thereby enhances the activity for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction.