Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Abstract

Reuse or conversion of CO2 using economical and simple methods is one of the greatest challenges of this century. The present work aims to show how photoelectrocatalysis has gained attention in this field. A critical analysis is carried out identifying the best materials able to promote the conversion of CO2 to products with higher added value like hydrocarbon fuels by coupling light irradiation and bias potential. The high performance of different kinds of semiconductors and the best materials combinations are also revisited showing as photoelectrocatalysis enhances the process efficiency and can work hours without a decrease in the production of the different compounds obtained from the reduction of CO2. This chapter shows an overlook about the historic evolution and performance of semiconductors used for the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reduction of CO2 and their role on the type of synthesized products.