Advances in visible light responsive titanium oxide-based photocatalysts for CO2 conversion to hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract:

Solar conversion of CO₂ to hydrocarbon fuels seems promising to reduce global warming for improved sustainability. Solar energy, as direct solar irradiations, is excessively available and it is imperious to utilize it for solar fuel production. This review paper is organized to discuss recent innovations and potential applications of phototechnology to recycle CO₂ via visible light responsive (VLR) TiO₂-based photocatalyst. In this perspective various enhancement methods such as doping with metals and non-metals and sensitization to expand TiO₂ band gap toward visible region are critically discussed. This review paper also presents applications of VLR photocatalysts, advances in photoreactors, and future prospects of VLR based technology for conversion of CO₂ to hydrocarbon fuels. The findings of this study revealed both metals and non-metals could improve TiO₂ photoactivity, but non-metals and especially co-metals were more efficient. The combination of co-metals with sensitizers exhibited much higher CO, CH₄ and CH₃OH yield rates. Among photocatalytic reactors, optical fibers and monolith photoreactors are more efficient because of their efficient light harvesting potential. Although the progress in CO₂reduction to fuels is encouraging, further considerations are required for commercialization purposes.

1. Muhammad Tahir and Nor Aishah Saidina Amin (2013). Advances in visible light responsive titanium oxide-based photocatalysts for CO2 conversion to hydrocarbon fuels.Energy Conversion and Management, 76, 194-214, Elsevier. (2012 I.F = 2.775)