Recent advances in α-Fe2O3-based photocatalysts for CO2 conversion to solar fuels

The conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbon-based fuels by utilizing solar energy has been considered as a promising solution for the exacerbated global environmental pollution and energy crisis. Among many candidate materials, α-Fe2O3 has been extensively investigated to develop highly active photocatalysts. Despite its suitable energy band position, α-Fe2O3 suffers from the relative low reduction capacity and charge separation ability, which are detrimental to the photocatalytic efficiency. Accordingly, heterojunction composites have been adopted by many researchers to overcome these problems to achieve improved CO2 photoreduction performance. In this review, the latest progress in highly active α-Fe2O3-based heterojunction photocatalyst composites utilizing type II, Z- and S-scheme charge transfer mechanisms are summarized. In addition, the mechanisms of enhanced CO2 photoreduction efficiency and interfacial charge transfer are also briefly discussed. Finally, the future development direction of α-Fe2O3-based heterojunction photocatalysts for CO2 photoconversion is proposed.