@article{Dang2026, 
author = {Khoa Dang Dang},
title = {Dual-functional photocatalysts for in-situ generation of proton (H+) and photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2): A review},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Materiomics},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
keywords = {Photocatalyst, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Solar-to-fuel, Hydrogen (H2), Water splitting},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1016/j.jmat.2026.101251},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmat.2026.101251},
abstract = {To date, the question of how to address the challenges associated with urgent global carbon emissions while harnessing renewable energy remains unanswered, a challenge that our world has so far failed to solve. Among many strategies, artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic natural processes to enable the in-situ generation of protons (H+) for hydrogenation of CO2 into value-added carbonaceous fuels represent a promising route. Herein, this review highlights recent advancements in solar-driven photoreduction of CO2 in the presence of H+. Emphasis is placed on photocatalysts and their fundamental mechanisms governing the photoreduction of CO2, including light absorption, charge-carrier dynamics, surface adsorption, and photocatalytic efficiency. The concept of dual-functional photocatalytic active CO2 via in-situ generation of H+ provides a sustainable and carbon-neutral pathway to produce renewable energy. Although many efforts have been made, the overall energy conversion efficiency remains limited by the complexity of multistep reactions, rapid electron-hole recombination rates, and low quantum efficiencies. This review critically examines the key technical challenges and current strategies for further improving solar-to-fuel efficiency, with a focus on developing novel photocatalysts. Additionally, combining photocatalysis with biocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrochemical architectures, or membrane-assisted processes may enable the practical applications of artificial photosynthesis and help bridge the efficiency gap between lab-scale to industrial-scale.}
}