Hope for a cleaner future: Using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide to fuel

What is it about?

Reduction of carbon emissions is a priority of the present-day human society. Researchers are actively trying to develop sustainable ways to reduce emissions to ensure sustainability of life on the planet. One such useful development is that of photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction ̶ a process by which CO₂ in the air can be captured on the surface of a semiconductor and later used as fuel or in other products. This review of literature explores photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and the scientific advances made so far to increase its efficiency. While the photo-reduction of CO₂ holds promise, the process lacks efficiency owing to limited light absorption ability, poor charge separation, and high CO₂ activation barriers. The authors found multiple ways to improve this process, including doping of the semiconductor plates to enhance light absorption; constructing heterojunctions for effective charge separation; and enhancement of CO₂ adsorption and activation.

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Photo by Adrian Balasoiu on Unsplash

Photo by Adrian Balasoiu on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Greenhouse gases like CO₂ contribute massively to global warming, and their levels in the environment continue to be dangerously high despite efforts to reduce emissions. Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction uses solar energy, a renewable resource, to capture and convert CO₂ in the environment, thereby achieving a two-pronged advantage ̶ reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing energy and fuel sustainably. KEY TAKEAWAY: Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into fuel and other valuable products is challenging but promising. Improving the efficiency of the existing process might present an environment-friendly solution to generate power from sustainable sources like solar energy, while also reducing global carbon emissions.