Dye photosensitization of ZnO with metallophthalocyanines (Co, Ni and Cu) in photocatalytic conversion of greenhouse gases

• Co, Ni and Cu phthalocyanines/ZnO were used in photoconversion of greenhouse gasses.
• XRD shows the size and crystalline phase of ZnO have not changed in the CuPc modifying.
• Results of UV–vis were shown the absorbance spectra of CuPc/ZnO extended to vis-light.
• The photocatalytic activity was shown the conversion of 15 and 13% for CO2 and CH4.
• Based on final products, a mechanism for the photoactivation of CuPc/ZnO is suggested.

In this study, dye photosensitized ZnO with Co, Ni and Cu phthalocyanines (Pc) was used in photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and CH4, under visible light. The characterization of prepared photocatalysts (CuPc/ZnO, NiPc/ZnO, and CoPc/ZnO) showed that the uniform coverage surface morphology was observed for the CuPc/ZnO, and the absorbance spectra of zinc oxide extended to visible area. The results of photocatalytic activity have shown the maximum conversion of 15 and 13% for CO2 and CH4 under visible light and CuPc/ZnO, respectively. In addition, final products of conversion were characterized to be formate and acetate derivatives.