Artificial CO2 photoreduction: a review of photocatalyst design and product selectivity regulation

Abstract

Mimicking natural photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis for the reduction of CO₂ into valuable hydrocarbon fuels is a promising approach for solar energy utilization and carbon neutrality. However, great challenges are present in the development of efficient photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction and controlling the selectivity for reduction products. This review summarizes the progress in photocatalyst design strategies to improve the efficiency and selectivity of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Six popular modification methods are introduced, namely, creation of defect structures, cocatalyst loading, doping, heterojunction formation, single-atom engineering, and surface organometallic catalysis. The effects of these different strategies on the promotion of light absorption, charge separation and migration and catalyst surface reactions in the process of CO₂ reduction are analyzed. In addition, the latest research results on selective reduction to C₁, C₂, and C₂₊ products in CO₂ and H₂O systems are summarized. Finally, the article delves into the future prospects and inherent hurdles in photocatalyst design, focusing on enhancing the selectivity of CO₂ conversion towards specific products. This review provides insights into the efficiency and selectivity of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction across various photocatalysts, thereby serving as valuable guidance for the advancement of high-performance photocatalysts.