Role of Co-catalysts for Photocatalytic H2O Splitting and CO2 Reduction

Photocatalysis is a promising approach for the sustainable production of energy vectors, such as H2, or for CO2 reduction. The design of an active and stable photocatalytic system requires the interplay of several factors, including the light absorber and the reaction medium. An important piece in this interplay is the co-catalyst material that enables the desired reaction. This chapter delivers an overview about the co-catalyst types applied in photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction. The chapter describes what factors define a good co-catalyst and it answers the question on how to find a suitable co-catalyst for a specific photocatalytic system.