Defective TiO(2) for photocatalytic CO(2) conversion to fuels and chemicals

Photocatalytic conversion of CO(2) into fuels and valuable chemicals using solar energy is a promising technology to combat climate change and meet the growing energy demand. Extensive effort is going on for the development of a photocatalyst with desirable optical, surface and electronic properties. This review article discusses recent development in the field of photocatalytic CO(2) conversion using defective TiO(2). It specifically focuses on the different synthesis methodologies adapted to generate the defects and their impact on the chemical, optical and surface properties of TiO(2) and, thus, photocatalytic CO(2) conversion. It also encompasses theoretical investigations performed to understand the role of defects in adsorption and activation of CO(2) and identify the mechanistic pathway which governs the formation and selectivity of different products. It is divided into three parts: (i) general mechanism and thermodynamic criteria for defective TiO(2) catalyzed CO(2) conversion, (ii) theoretical investigation on the role of defects in the CO(2) adsorption–activation and mechanism responsible for the formation and selectivity of different products, and (iii) the effect of variation of physicochemical properties of defective TiO(2) synthesized using different methods on the photocatalytic conversion of CO(2). The review also discusses the limitations and the challenges of defective TiO(2) photocatalysts that need to be overcome for the production of sustainable fuel utilizing solar energy.