Heterogeneous Molecular Systems for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Water Oxidation

Artificial photosynthesis-reduction of CO2 into chemicals and fuels with water oxidation in the presence of sunlight as the energy source-mimics natural photosynthesis in green plants, and is considered to have a significant part to play in future energy supply and protection of our environment. The high quantum efficiency and easy manipulation of heterogeneous molecular photosystems based on metal complexes enables them to act as promising platforms to achieve efficient conversion of solar energy. This Review describes recent developments in the heterogenization of such photocatalysts. The latest state-of-the-art approaches to overcome the drawbacks of low durability and inconvenient practical application in homogeneous molecular systems are presented. The coupling of photocatalytic CO2 reduction with water oxidation through molecular devices to mimic natural photosynthesis is also discussed.