Recent advances in the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

Fossil fuels are currently the major energy source and are rapidly consumed to supply the increasing energy demands of mankind. CO2, a product of fossil fuel combustion, leads to climate change and will have a serious impact on our environment. There is an increasing need to mitigate CO2 emissions using carbon-neutral energy sources. Therefore, research activities are devoted to CO2 capture, storage and utilization. For instance, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels is a promising avenue to recycle carbon dioxide. Here we review the present status of the emission and utilization of CO2. Then we review the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 by TiO2, modified TiO2 and non-titanium metal oxides. Finally, the challenges and prospects for further development of CO2 photocatalytic reduction are presented.