Both solar water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction using semiconductor systems have been studied as important components of artificial photosynthesis. This paper describes the various photovoltaic-powered electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic processes. An overview of the state-of-the-art is presented along with a summary of recent research approaches. A concept developed by our own research group in which fixed particulate photocatalysts are applied to scalable solar water splitting is discussed. Finally, a description of a possible artificial photosynthesis plant is presented, along with a discussion of the economic aspects of operating such a plant and potential reactor designs.
Combining the lotus leaf effect with artificial photosynthesis: regeneration of underwater superhydrophobicity of hierarchical ZnO/Si surfaces by solar water splitting
