Open AccessCO 2 Reduction: From the Electrochemical to Photochemical Approach
Author(s) -
Wu Jinghua,
Huang Yang,
Ye Wen,
Li Yanguang
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201700194
Subject(s) - reduction (mathematics) , renewable energy , fossil fuel , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , environmental science , atmosphere (unit) , process engineering , photocatalysis , biochemical engineering , artificial photosynthesis , computer science , solar energy , materials science , chemistry , waste management , engineering , catalysis , meteorology , electrical engineering , electrode , physics , biochemistry , geometry , mathematics
Increasing CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere is believed to have a profound impact on the global climate. To reverse the impact would necessitate not only curbing the reliance on fossil fuels but also developing effective strategies capture and utilize CO 2 from the atmosphere. Among several available strategies, CO 2 reduction via the electrochemical or photochemical approach is particularly attractive since the required energy input can be potentially supplied from renewable sources such as solar energy. In this Review, an overview on these two different but inherently connected approaches is provided and recent progress on the development, engineering, and understanding of CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts and photocatalysts is summarized. First, the basic principles that govern electrocatalytic or photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and their important performance metrics are discussed. Then, a detailed discussion on different CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts and photocatalysts as well as their generally designing strategies is provided. At the end of this Review, perspectives on the opportunities and possible directions for future development of this field are presented.