Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 into Fuels: A Short Review

Abstract

The photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ with water vapour and catalysts under UV irradiation to yield hydrocarbons is a potential way of decreasing greenhouse gas and it represents an attractive alternative energy source to fossil fuels. However, this process still has to overcome several hurdles, because it involves the activation of two stable molecules, H₂O and CO₂, and simultaneous conversion through a multi-step electron transfer reaction.

The problem of CO₂ emission and the possibility of exploiting CO₂ as a raw material reaction is first reported in this short review. Subsequently, the fundamentals of photocatalysis are described. Finally, TiO₂-based photocatalysts are reviewed, taking into consideration the optimization methods that can be adopted to improve performances. The information gained from this analysis will help to contribute towards a better understanding of the main parameters that affect the activity of photocatalysts and will ultimately lead to the optimized synthesis of more efficient photocatalytic material for the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to fuels.