Development of new photocatalysts for CO2 fixation of artificial photosynthesis

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24246131
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Catalyst/Resource chemical process
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Science
• Principal Investigator: Kudo Akihiko 東京理科大学, 理学部, 教授 (60221222)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 人工光合成 / 二酸化炭素 / 光触媒 / 半導体光電極

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction using water as an electron donor is an important reaction from viewpoints of artificial photosynthesis of photon to chemical energy conversion and utilization of the CO2 as a carbon source to produce various chemicals. Various kinds of original photocatalysts that are active for CO2 reduction have been developed based on photocatalysts for water splitting. It was revealed that Ag is an excellent cocatalyst for CO2 reduction to form CO and an addition of bicarbonate was effective for enhancement of the photocatalytic reaction. 90% of the selectivity of CO to H2 formation was obtained by the synergetic effect of the Ag cocatalyst and bicarbonate on the CO2 reduction using water as an electron donor. Visible-light driven powdered photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for CO2 reduction have also been developed employing metal sulfide photocatalyst materials that are active for H2 production.

Free Research Field

化学、触媒化学、電気化学、光化学