Stabilized hybrid photocatalyst boosts artificial photosynthesis efficiency

A hybrid photocatalyst system from Science Tokyo tackles an overlooked flaw in artificial photosynthesis to dramatically improve CO2-to-formate conversion. Unlike conventional designs where light degrades the molecular catalyst, the new system selectively excites the semiconductor and transfers electrons to the catalytic site. By preventing light-induced damage, it raises efficiency to 27.7%, a leap that could help turn CO2 into valuable chemicals for a carbon-neutral society.