Enhancement strategies in CO2 conversion and management of biochar supported photocatalyst for effective generation of renewable and sustainable solar energy

The imperative of solar-driven methodologies, harnessing the virtually boundless power of sunlight, cannot be overstated in our battle against climate change and the imperative to propel clean fuel production. Photocatalytic innovation, which employs catalysts to initiate eco-friendly chemical reactions, stands out as one of these effective techniques. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic substances, enhances photocatalytic activity through its porous structure and functional groups. Using biochar as a photocatalyst support reduces electron-hole pair recombination rates, narrows band gaps, improves charge separation, and enhances electron transport. This study explores four main objectives: 1) Current approaches in CO2 conversion and strategies, including the management perspective of light, the utilization of solar concentrators, and thermal methods for enhancing solar fuel generation via artificial photosynthesis. 2) Critical role of photocatalysis and analyzing the metals and nonmetals doping and the strategic deployment of carbon materials to increase the efficacy in solar fuel generation. 3) Methods and parameters that affect the synthesis of biochar. 4) The role of biochar as a support for improving photocatalytic activity in CO2 conversion and H2 production for solar fuel generation. This paper outlines a vision for advancing biochar-based photocatalysts, emphasizing the need to enhance their efficiency and stability. It also highlights the potential for innovative design concepts and the exploration of scalable production techniques. Ultimately, this vision aims to drive progress in solar fuel generation technology for practical applications.