Engineering Cocatalysts onto Low-Dimensional Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction

Low-dimensional semiconductors are regarded as alternative architectures to achieve high-efficiency photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity due to the unique structural and electronic properties. However, the catalytic efficiency is still limited by two factors, namely, poor surface charge separation efficiency and lack of surface-active sites for CO2 reduction. Herein, the state-of-the-art progress of cocatalysts engineering is reviewed to ameliorate these issues, to acquire outstanding behavior. The fundamentals of cocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction along with some noteworthy points are presented. The strategies of engineering cocatalysts for performance optimization are summarized with the emphasis on structure-performance correlations, such as component engineering, phase engineering, facet engineering, size engineering, single-atom engineering, crystallinity engineering, defect engineering, strain engineering, and interface engineering. Finally, this review is ended with an outlook on unsolved issues and perspectives over cocatalysts modified low-dimensional photocatalysts.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art progress in cocatalysts engineering for improving the efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction in low-dimensional semiconductors. The emphasis is on strategies for optimizing performance by enhancing structure-performance correlations.