Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons by light-harvesting complex assisted Rh-doped TiO2 photocatalyst

• Light-harvesting complexes (LHCII) were attached to a hybrid catalyst, TiO2:Rh-LHCII.
• Methanol, acetaldehyde and methyl formate were produced from aqueous CO2 solution under visible-light irradiation.
• Yields of acetaldehyde and methyl formate were enhanced ten and four times on TiO2:Rh-LHCII compared to those of TiO2:Rh.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons using TiO2 is a promising route for mitigating the effects of global warming and meeting future energy demands. However, TiO2 utilises UV light for photocatalysis and its hydrocarbon yields are still low. In order to enhance the light absorption and increase yields, light-harvesting complexes (LHCII) extracted from spinach were attached to the surface of Rh-doped TiO2 (TiO2:Rh) resulting in a hybrid catalyst, TiO2:Rh-LHCII. The LHCII can absorb visible light in green plants, which convert CO2 to sugars via photosynthesis. CO, acetaldehyde and methyl formate were produced from aqueous CO2 solution in a stirred batch reactor under visible-light irradiation. The yields of acetaldehyde and methyl formate were enhanced by almost ten and four times respectively, when using TiO2:Rh-LHCII compared to those of TiO2:Rh.

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