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

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.

Automated summary

This paper evaluates excellent photocatalysts based on TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Cu2O, and CeO2 metal oxide materials, which are cost-effective, long-lasting, and easy to fabricate. Strategies to improve CO2 conversion efficiency, such as heterojunction, ion doping, defects, sensitization, and morphology control, are summarized. The 3DOM material with a three-dimensional ordered macroporous structure is highlighted as an excellent candidate for CO2 conversion. Based on the discussion, new insights and prospects for designing high-efficient metallic oxide photocatalysts to reduce CO2 emissions are presented.