Standalone Solar Carbon-Based Fuel Production Based on Semiconductors

Abstract

Standalone solar carbon dioxide conversion without the use of any external energy is a primary goal of solar carbon-based fuel production. So far, researchers have performed many staged studies, for example, on the independent oxygen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction reaction, to focus on these key steps and strengthen specific characteristics, including photoresponse, energy carrier separation, and transfer. Noteworthy performance has been obtained for almost every stage. However, recent pioneering works have demonstrated that staged research cannot always be easily pieced together. Here, recent advances in standalone systems are collected and reviewed. We focus on the critical assessment of the key components requiring improvement. In addition, the opportunities for hybrid systems of photocatalysts with photothermocatalysts and photovoltaics with electrocatalysts are assessed. This review aims to discuss the direction of standalone solar carbon fuel production and potential knowledge transfer to intersecting fields.

Keywords

• CO2 conversion
• solar fuels
• standalone system
• photocatalysis
• energy efficiency