Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol

CO2 + 3H2O → CH3OH + 3/2 O2

Overview

Photocatalysts can reduce CO₂ to methanol using sunlight and water, mimicking photosynthesis to produce liquid fuel. Copper-modified TiO₂ and other semiconductor catalysts have shown promising results. This artificial photosynthesis approach could simultaneously address CO₂ emissions and produce renewable fuel.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 1 (g)
Reactant Water H₂O 3 (l)
Product Methanol CH₃OH 1 (l)

Everyday Example

Researchers envision solar fuel stations that could convert atmospheric CO₂ into methanol fuel using sunlight and water.

Industrial Importance

Solar-to-fuel conversion via CO₂ photoreduction is an active area of research with potential to produce carbon-neutral liquid fuels.

Properties

Type
Photochemical
Reversible
No
Energy
Endothermic
ΔH
727.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst
Cu/TiO₂ photocatalyst

Related Reactions

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Cis-Trans Isomerization of Retinal Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (Grätzel Cell) Firefly Bioluminescence (Luciferin Oxidation) Luminol Chemiluminescence Ozone Decomposition by UV Ozone Formation by UV Light Photocatalytic NOx Removal Photocatalytic Water Splitting (TiO₂) Photochemical Cycloaddition ([2+2])

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol?
The balanced equation is: CO₂ + 3H₂O → CH₃OH + 3/2 O₂.
What type of reaction is Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol?
Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol is a photochemical reaction.
Is Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol exothermic or endothermic?
Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 727.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Photoreduction of CO₂ to Methanol?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Cu/TiO₂ photocatalyst).