Hybrid heterostructured nanocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis (Chapter 2)

Abstract

Developing nanosystems that can mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction is currently a cutting-edge research area known as artificial photosynthesis. In artificial photosynthesis, the trapped solar energy is stored in H sub(2) as fuel and in the bonds of reduced products of CO sub(2). The two fundamental processes of photosynthesis, that is, photocatalytic splitting of water into H sub(2)-O sub(2) and CO sub(2) reduction, are emulated in artificial photosynthesis by semiconductor catalysts. Using a nanocatalyst in heterostructured form offers several advantages over a single-component catalyst, improving the efficacy of the processes. In this book chapter, we have discussed the elementary principles involved in photocatalytic water oxidation and reduction as well as photocatalytic reduction of CO sub(2). The concepts differentiating photoelectrochemical processes from photocatalytic ones are also illustrated. The chapter discusses the studies of established hybrid heterostructures for artificial photosynthesis. Overall, the chapter chronicles the basic strategies involved in performing artificial photosynthesis, along with challenges and future possibilities for the advancement of research in this field.