6 - Photoreduction of CO2 on non-TiO2–based metal oxides

Abstract

The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 using solar energy, i.e., the artificial photosynthesis, is one of the most attractive routes for the utilization of CO2. This chapter describes recent advances in developing non-TiO2–based metal oxide photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2. It introduces the background of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction, the thermodynamics and kinetics of CO2 reduction, and some typical non-TiO2–based metal oxide photocatalysts applied in CO2 reduction. The selectivity toward a single product in the CO2 reduction has also been discussed. Finally, it presents the view on future developments and targets in this field.