Comparison of CO2 Photoreduction Systems: A Review

Received: September 25, 2013
Revised: October 7, 2013
Accepted: October 7, 2013
Download Citation: RIS|BibTeX|https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2013.09.0283  

Cite this article:
Wang, W.N., Soulis, J., Yang, Y.J. and Biswas, P. (2014). Comparison of CO2 Photoreduction Systems: A Review. Aerosol Air Qual. Res. 14: 533-549. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2013.09.0283

ABSTRACT

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are a major contributor to the climate change equation, and thus strategies need to be developed in order to reduce increases in CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. One of the most promising approaches is to convert CO₂ into useful products in engineered processes. The photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into hydrocarbon fuels is a promising way to recycle CO₂ as a fuel feedstock by taking advantage of the readily available solar energy. This article reviews the basics of CO₂ photoreduction mechanisms, limiting steps, possible strategies to enhance photoreduction efficiency, and the state-of-the-art photocatalytic systems for CO₂ reduction. In particular, a comparison between different catalytic systems, including biological (plants and algae), inorganics (semiconductors), organics (molecular complexes), and hybrid (enzyme/semiconductors) systems is provided.

Keywords: Solar energy; Nanotechnology; Fossil fuels; Global warming; Photocatalysis