Synthesis of solar fuels by novel photoelectrocatalytic approach

Prep. Pap.-Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem. 2010, 55 (1), 177 Proceedings Published 2010 by the American Chemical Society. The design and development of future fuels based on green chem. approach involves defining the sustainable energy scenarios and the effective scientific strategies necessary to address the complex energy and environment issues. Eventually, in a long-term, the renewable energy scenario, based in particular on solar energy, will become predominant. Solar fuels are defined in this paper as the direct prodn. of H2 from water, and the conversion of CO2 to fuels using solar energy. The two main options in using solar energy to produce fuels are discussed. The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reactor is also described. It mainly converts CO2 back to fuel at near room temp. and pressure using solar light and water. Through this device, it will be possible in the future to develop 'artificial trees' able to capture the CO2 and convert it to liq. fuels (hydrocarbons, alcs.). Furthermore, coupled with the use of titania thin films with an oriented nanostructure, a new modular PEC system equipped with a high compact photoreactor has been designed. The use of PEC reactor in the photoprodn. of H2 and in the conversion of CO2 to liq. fuels are further explained. [on SciFinder(R)]