Innovations and fundamentals in visible light-driven photocatalysis for CO2 reduction

Visible light-induced photocatalysis has attracted significant attention as a sustainable strategy to mitigate climate change by reducing CO₂. This process uses semiconductor materials to convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels under visible light, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy-intensive methods. This review explores the fundamental principles and innovative photocatalysts, including metal-based, metal-free and hybrid systems, aimed at enhancing photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity. It begins with an overview of the basic mechanisms of photocatalysis, including charge generation, separation, and recombination, and examines the thermodynamic factors that influence CO₂ reduction, such as temperature, light intensity, and the properties of the semiconductor material. Key challenges are explored, such as improving light absorption properties, increasing reaction rates, and optimizing charge carrier dynamics. Recent advancements in material design, nanostructuring, and doping techniques have shown promising results in improving photocatalytic CO₂ conversion. Future research will focus on addressing the scalability, stability, and efficiency of photocatalytic systems, as well as exploring the potential for coupling CO₂ reduction with renewable energy sources for practical applications.