Title: CO₂ utilisation by photocatalytic conversion to methane and methanol

Authors: Deniz Uner, M. Mert Oymak, Bahar Ipek

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: In this paper we intend to give a broad overview of natural and artificial photosynthesis systems. We point out seven orders of magnitude difference of the rates of water splitting between natural and state of the art artificial photosynthesis in favour of natural photosynthesis. We reviewed the open literature for photocatalytic water splitting, CO₂ reduction and suggested routes for improvements in the low yields.

Keywords: photocatalysis; photosynthesis; CO2; carbon dioxide; carbon reduction; TiO2; photocatalytic water splitting; titanium dioxide; photocatalytic conversion; methane; methanol.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2011.038376

International Journal of Global Warming, 2011 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.142 - 162

Published online: 29 Jan 2015 *

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