Development of proficient photocatalytic systems for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

Global warming due to the unrestricted release of CO2 into the atmosphere is a prevalent challenge faced by the 21st century. Scavenging atmospheric CO2 using solar energy and converting it to useful products is a dual beneficial approach to overcome this issue. In spite of considerable attractive advancements of existing research, the synthesis of a stable photocatalyst has remained a challenge, leaving it in its infant stage. The design of more advanced photocatalytic reactors equipped with solar concentrators also demands equal importance. In this review article, we summarized the recent trends of current strategies that are adopted by various researchers to intensify the rate of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Persistent challenges in the pursuit of achieving higher photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into solar fuels are examined. The first part of this review deals with different structural engineering strategies that are adopted by various researchers to synthesize functional materials that display enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability. The current advancements in the exploration of technology for the design of an efficient photocatalytic reactor that is capable of harnessing light energy towards the photocatalyst comprise the next part of the review. Research challenges, perspectives, brief insights, and endorsements on the progress of proficient photocatalytic systems are suggested. It is expected that this review will provide a framework that would upgrade the process from a lab-scale to an industrially viable technology.