Introductory lecture: sunlight-driven water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction by heterogeneous semiconductor systems as key processes in artificial photosynthesis

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.