The major issue for cells that absorb light is the caustic nature of aqueous element

The major issue for cells that absorb light is the caustic nature of aqueous elements when reactions take place. In addition, nanophotovoltaic (nanoPV) cells cannot stick to catalytic surfaces properly. Researchers at the Berkeley Lab have developed both organic and inorganic PV elements in order to enhance charge transfer, durability, and efficiency.

In addition to existing challenges, another major obstacle is the development of an effective catalyst for artificial photosynthesis. The catalyst should enhance reaction, electron portability, and should not be from rare and expensive metal like platinum. Moreover, such catalyst should be long lasting and able to withstand rapid reaction that involves photooxidation. Still, such a catalyst should have the ability to yield the maximum chemical energy from low activities. Such challenges have pushed scientists to develop new approaches, which can efficiently control the catalyst and account for the entire chemical reaction that occurs.

The future research should focus on developing advanced methods of enhancing nano structures and various coating elements, which have low band gap and are stable during reaction and in aqueous medium.