Abstract:

Photoelectrocatalysis of carbon dioxide utilizes solar power and electrical power as energy sources to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into liquid fuels or other organic compounds. This process combines photocatalytic reduction and electrochemical reduction, and possesses great potential for future applications. In this paper, fundamental mechanisms and characteristics of photocatalysis, electrochemical reduction and photoelectrocatalysis are briefly introduced. The advantages of photoelectrocatalysis are emphasized, and the factors affecting CO₂ photoelectrocatalysis are also analyzed. Future research directions on CO₂ photoelectrocatalysis are then proposed.

Key words: photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, carbon dioxide reduction