Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 using heterogeneous catalysts with controlled nanostructures

The development of efficient artificial photocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 with H2O to fuels and chemicals has attracted much attention in recent years. Although the state-of-the-art for the production of fuels or chemicals from CO2 using solar energy is still far from practical consideration, rich knowledge has been accumulated to understand the key factors that determine the catalytic performances. This Feature article highlights recent advances in the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O using heterogeneous semiconductor-based catalysts. The effects of structural aspects of semiconductors, such as crystalline phases, particle sizes, morphologies, exposed facets and heterojunctions, on their catalytic behaviours are discussed. The roles of different types of cocatalysts and the impact of their nanostructures on surface CO2 chemisorption and reduction are also analysed. The present article aims to provide insights into the rational design of efficient heterogeneous catalysts with controlled nanostructures for the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O.