Artificial photosynthesis using metal/nonmetal-nitride semiconductors: current status, prospects, and challenges

Abstract

Artificial photosynthesis, i.e. the chemical transformation of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into high-energy-rich fuels is one of the key sustainable energy technologies to enable a carbon-free, storable and renewable source of energy. Although significant progress has been made over the last four decades, the development of efficient, long-term stable, scalable, and cost-competitive photocatalysts has remained one of the key challenges for the large-scale practical application of this frontier technology. Over the last decade metal/nonmetal-nitrides have emerged as a new generation of photocatalyst materials for artificial photosynthesis owing to their distinct optoelectronic and catalytic properties. This article provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research activities on the development of metal/nonmetal-nitride semiconductor based photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for solar-fuel conversion.