Surface Processes in Photocatalytic Reduction of CO 2 on TiO 2 -based Materials

摘要

Owing to its excellent photoactivity, good stability and low cost, TiO 2 is one of the most studied semiconductor materials to convert CO 2 into useful chemicals, contributing to mitigate global warming. In this review, starting from the basic kinetic and thermodynamic principles of CO 2 photoreduction, the focus is on the surface processes involved in its capture and subsequent reactivity on TiO 2 . In particular, the role of different TiO 2 morphologies, facets and surface heterostructures is discussed. The effect of relevant co-adsorbed molecules (e.g., H 2 O) on the CO 2 reaction pathways is also considered. Moreover, the coupling of TiO 2 with graphene and metal nanoparticles to enhance the reaction rates is presented. A deeper understanding at the atomic level of these surface mechanisms could help the design of TiO 2 -based photocatalysts with improved efficiency and selectivity.