Artificial Photosynthesis via Photocatalytic, Electrocatalytic, and Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Conversion

Since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide emissions have skyrocketed due to economic expansion, fossil fuel consumption and population growth, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and contributing to significant climate change in terms of temperature, sea levels and extreme weather events. CO2 utilization technologies are promising technologies that can simultaneously address the greenhouse effect and energy shortages. Photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic technologies offer sustainable alternatives by utilizing solar energy to drive CO2 reduction under mild conditions. These technologies mimic natural photosynthesis, achieving higher efficiencies and being highly environmentally compatible. This chapter explores the fundamentals of photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies, recent advances in catalysts, and technology outlook. The chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, challenges and breakthroughs of these technologies, thereby contributing to the development of efficient and sustainable CO2 conversion solutions for both academic and industrial applications.