Perspective: Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to solar fuels over semiconductors

Increasing emissions of carbon dioxide and the depletion of finite fossil fuels have led to many concerns about global warming and energy crises. Consequently, a sustainable and alternative method, photocatalytic CO2 reduction to chemical fuels has received considerable attention. This perspective highlights recent knowledge and the main challenges in CO2 photoreduction primarily from the theoretical field. The fundamental understanding of CO2 adsorption and reaction mechanism at an atomic level is fully addressed, and the relevant effects dominating the process of CO2 photoreduction are also elucidated. Moreover, recent development of photocatalysts including structural modification is presented, which greatly affects the efficiency and selectivity of CO2 conversion. Finally, the possibilities and challenges in this field are discussed. © 2017 Author(s).