Carbon neutral energy sources that are scalable, deployable, and cost effective will be required at an unprecedented scale to halt irreversible climate change. Expanded utilization of solar energy requires efficient and inexpensive storage of intermittent power for use on demand. Solar fuels from water splitting are one of the most promising methods to store bulk renewable energy because they can provide an energy-dense fuel, with a minimal carbon footprint, and without competing with food stocks.

Photoelectrochemical systems that perform direct reduction of carbon dioxide to solar fuels represent an attractive route towards the production of next generation fuels on demand. However, the availability of (photo)electrocatlytic systems that can efficiently and selectively reduce carbon dioxide is currently limited. In addition, materials system integration poses significant challenges as catalyst//semiconductor and/or protection layer/semiconductor interface formation adds complexity in addressing functionality and performance issues. Therefore, deep understanding of materials property as isolated as well as integrated systems is absolutely vital to promote fast advancements in this field.

This symposium fosters a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to production of solar fuels. Latest results and advancements in photoelectrochemical systems, with specific focus on CO₂ reduction, are presented. Specific focus on catalyst discovery with high activity and selectivity for CO₂ reduction, as well as light absorbers, protection layers, and membranes for product sepatation will be address. In addition in situ and in operando measurements, and fundamental understanding to enable new materials discovery will be presented.