Recent Progress in Metal Oxide-Based Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction to Solar Fuels: A Review

Abstract

One of the challenges in developing practical CO2 photoconversion catalysts is the design of materials with a low cost, high activity and good stability. In this paper, excellent photocatalysts based on TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Cu2O and CeO2 metal oxide materials, which are cost-effective, long-lasting, and easy to fabricate, are evaluated. The characteristics of the nanohybrid catalysts depend greatly on their architecture and design. Thus, we focus on outstanding materials that offer effective and practical solutions. Strategies to improve CO2 conversion efficiency are summarized, including heterojunction, ion doping, defects, sensitization and morphology control, which can inspire the future improvement in photochemistry. The capacity of CO2 adsorption is also pivotal, which varies with the morphological and electronic structures. Forms of 0D, 1D, 2D and 3DOM (zero/one/two-dimensional- and three-dimensional-ordered macroporous, respectively) are involved. Particularly, the several advantages of the 3DOM material make it an excellent candidate material for CO2 conversion. Hence, we explain its preparation method. Based on the discussion, new insights and prospects for designing high-efficient metallic oxide photocatalysts to reduce CO2 emissions are presented.

Role of Facets and Morphologies of Different Bismuth-Based Materials for CO2 Reduction to Fuels

“…Since then, numerous materials have been synthesized and investigated for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The synthesis of well-defined crystalline oxides has become of interest, since their intrinsic photocatalytic performances are closely related to their exposed facets, where different facets portray different electronic band structures [39,40].…”

Photoelectrochemical Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer of TiO2 Thin Films on Silicon

“…PCET is important in energy conversion reactions, such as CO 2 reduction (CO 2 RR), oxygen evolution from H 2 O (OER), H 2 evolution (HER), and N 2 reduction (NRR). Each of these involve the transfer of electrons and protons, usually in equal numbers. , Oxides often play a role in these − and other energy applications such as pseudocapacitors and lithium-ion batteries (the last being Li + instead of H + coupled to e – transfer). − …”

Cu-Doped SrTiO3 Nanostructured Catalysts for CO2 Conversion into Solar Fuels Using Localised Surface Plasmon Resonance

“…To address the thermodynamic problem of CO 2 activation, different approaches have been explored from the early 1970s; different methodologies have been studied so far, including different energy vectors such as electricity, heat and photons [10][11][12]. Moreover, different classes of catalysts, including metal oxides, perovskites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MXenes, metal complexes and many others [13][14][15][16], are currently under investigation. From the large plethora of catalytic processes studied so far, the photocatalytic pathway has produced interesting results: using solar light as an energy vector greatly reduces the environmental impact of the process, as the energy source that drives the reaction is sustainable and readily available [17].…”