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Photocatalytic Conversion of CO 2 into Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuels: State‐of‐the‐Art Accomplishment, Challenges, and Prospects
Author(s) -
Tu Wenguang,
Zhou Yong,
Zou Zhigang
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201400087
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , artificial photosynthesis , materials science , hydrocarbon , microporous material , catalysis , adsorption , solar energy , chemical engineering , surface engineering , renewable energy , nanotechnology , photosynthesis , photochemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , ecology , electrical engineering , composite material , biology , biochemistry , engineering
Photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 into hydrocarbon fuels, an artificial photosynthesis, is based on the simulation of natural photosynthesis in green plants, whereby O 2 and carbohydrates are produced from H 2 O and CO 2 using sunlight as an energy source. It couples the reductive half‐reaction of CO 2 fixation with a matched oxidative half‐reaction such as water oxidation, to achieve a carbon neutral cycle, which is like killing two birds with one stone in terms of saving the environment and supplying future energy. The present review provides an overview and highlights recent state‐of‐the‐art accomplishments of overcoming the drawback of low photoconversion efficiency and selectivity through the design of highly active photocatalysts from the point of adsorption of reactants, charge separation and transport, light harvesting, and CO 2 activation. It specifically includes: i) band‐structure engineering, ii) nanostructuralization, iii) surface oxygen vacancy engineering, iv) macro‐/meso‐/microporous structuralization, v) exposed facet engineering, vi) co‐catalysts, vii) the development of a Z‐scheme system. The challenges and prospects for future development of this field are also present.