Beyond Artificial Photosynthesis: Prospects on Photobiorefinery

Artificial photosynthesis (AP) technology which integrates solar energy harvesting and chemical conversion process into one device is a promising solution to both global energy and environmental crises. Despite decades of research, AP for solar hydrogen production and CO2 reduction remains in the technological infancy. The low profit margins of the targeted products, the highly energy-intensive process, and the engineering impracticality have kept AP technology in the laboratory demonstration stage. Photobiorefinery, a photocatalytic process for biomass valorization, has emerged as a new promising application for AP technology. This process offers high-value products, requires less energy, and potentially could utilize AP process to enhance selectivity. In this Minireview, the recent progress in photocatalytic biomass depolymerization, partial oxidation, hydrogenolysis, and hydrogenation are featured. Challenges and prospects of the photocatalytic biomass valorization towards commercialization are also discussed.