Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing carbon dioxide to at least one useful product includes two redox couple electrolyte solutions separated by a first membrane having photosensitizers. The carbon dioxide to be reduced is provided to a second membrane whch is contiguous to one of the redox couple electrolyte solutions. The second membrane has photosensitizers and a catalyst. Water provides hydrogen ions, which participate in the reduction of the carbon dioxide, via a separator. In operation both membranes are illuminated and produce excited photosensitizers which cause electron transfer from a first redox solution to a second redox solution and thence to the carbon dioxide in the second membrane thereby, in cooperation with the hydrogen ions, reducing at least some of the carbon dioxide at a surface of the second membrane to provide at least one product.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing carbon dioxide to at least one useful product includes two redox couple electrolyte solutions separated by a first membrane having photosensitizers. The carbon dioxide to be reduced is provided to a second membrane which is contiguous to one of the redox couple electrolyte solutions. The second membrane has photosensitizers and a catalyst. Water provides hdyrogen ions, which participate in the reduction of the carbon dioxide, via a separator. In operation both membranes are illuminated and produce excited photosensitizers which cause electron transfer from a first redox solution to a second redox solution and thence to the carbon dioxide in the second membrane thereby, in cooperation with the hydrogen ions, reducing at least some of the carbon dioxide at a surface of the second membrane to provide at least one product.