Hierarchical CeO2/Bi2MoO6 heterostructured nanocomposites for photoreduction of CO2 into hydrocarbons under visible light irradiation

•CeO2/Bi2MoO6 heterostructured nanocomposites were fabricated by a facile approach.•CeO2 highly enhanced the photoelectric properties, and CO2 adsorption ability.•CeO2/Bi2MoO6 exhibits high activity for photoreduction of CO2 into methanol and ethanol.•The CO32− and HCO3− actually act as the reactive species for the CO2 photoreduction.