Advancements on metal oxide semiconductor photocatalysts in photo-electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and other useful products

Abstract

Due to its fascinating and tunable optoelectronic properties, semiconductor nanomaterials are the best choices for multidisciplinary applications. Particularly, the use of semiconductor photocatalysts is one of the promising ways to harness solar energy for useful applications in the field of energy and environment. In recent years, metal oxide-based tailored semiconductor photocatalysts have extensively been used for photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into fuels and other useful products utilizing solar energy. This is very significant not only from renewable energy consumption but also from reducing global warming point of view. Such current research activities are promising for a better future of society. The present mini-review is focused on recent developments (2–3 years) in metal oxide semiconductor hybrid photocatalysts-based photo-electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into fuels and other useful products. First, general mechanism of photo-electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into fuels or other useful products has been discussed. Then, various metal oxide-based emerging hybrid photocatalysts including tailoring of their morphological, compositional, and optoelectronic properties have been discussed with emphasis on their role in enhancing photo-electrochemical efficienty. Afterwards, mechanism of their photo-electrochemical reactions and applications in CO₂ conversion into fuels/other useful products have been discussed. Finally, challenges and future prospects have been discussed followed by a summary.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

metal-oxide semiconductors / nanohybrid photocatalysts / photo-electrochemical CO₂ conversion / tailoring morphology / fuels / challenges and future prospects

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported financially by Department of Science and Techanology, India, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), and École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), the Marcelle-Gauvreau Engineering Research Chair program.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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