Volume 59, Issue 51 pp. 22894-22915
Review

Z-Scheme Photocatalytic Systems for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Where Are We Now?

Wenhao Zhang

Wenhao Zhang

School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43900 Malaysia

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Prof. Abdul Rahman Mohamed

Prof. Abdul Rahman Mohamed

Low Carbon Economy (LCE) Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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Prof. Wee-Jun Ong

Corresponding Author

Prof. Wee-Jun Ong

School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43900 Malaysia

College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China

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First published: 03 February 2020
Citations: 550

Graphical Abstract

Mimicking natural photosynthesis: The latest progress on Z-scheme photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction is comprehensively discussed in this Review. Particular attention is given to modification strategies that improve photocatalytic performance as well as confirmation methods to assess the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism.

Abstract

Transforming CO2 into fuels by utilizing sunlight is promising to synchronously overcome global warming and energy-supply issues. It is crucial to design efficient photocatalysts with intriguing features such as robust light-harvesting ability, strong redox potential, high charge-separation, and excellent durability. Hitherto, a single-component photocatalyst is incapable to simultaneously meet all these criteria. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, constructing artificial Z-scheme photocatalysts provides a facile way to conquer these bottlenecks. In this review, we firstly introduce the fundamentals of photocatalytic CO2 reduction and Z-scheme systems. Thereafter we discuss state-of-the-art Z-scheme photocatalytic CO2 reduction, whereby special attention is placed on the predominant factors that affect photoactivity. Additionally, further modifications that are important for efficient photocatalysis are reviewed.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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