Co2 reduction by photoelectrochemistry

Abstract

CO2 reduction using sunlight energy is one of the ultimate methods for addressing issues related to global warming and a fossil fuel shortage, and constructing a carbon-neutral society in the future. Therefore, the amount of research in this field has been increasing in the 2010s. Photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction is generally conducted using a semiconductor or a combination of a semiconductor and cocatalyst. Material design and systematic utilization of semiconductors are thus important for effective use of solar photons. In addition, the CO2 molecule is highly stable; therefore, catalyst design is much more important than in the case for hydrogen generation by water splitting. In this chapter, the methodology for the catalysis of CO2 reduction by photoelectrochemical means is explained.