Pr3+-doped La1-xPrxMn0.6Ni0.4O3-δ as efficient artificial photosynthesis catalysts for solar methanol

In this study, a transition metal-based perovskite oxide catalyst with high CH3OH yield was successfully developed. The A-site substitution by Pr3+ in La1-xPrxMn0.6Ni0.4O3-δ can effectively adjust the activity of the perovskite catalysts for the direct conversion of CO2 and H2O into hydrocarbon fuels, especially CH3OH. Based on the designed photo-thermo synergetic photosynthesis strategy, the first hour CH3OH yield of La1-xPrxMn0.6Ni0.4O3-δ reached 3.97 mmol g−1, while only 0.24 μmol g−1 under normal photocatalysis mode. The synergistic photo-thermo catalysis was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for the future artificial photosynthesis development.