Inspired by natural photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis using solar energy and abundant natural resources, H₂O and CO₂, to produce renewable energy fuels has recently been received considerable attentions. This review focuses on recent developments in construction of artificial photosynthesis systems. Special attention has been paid to the various kinds of transition metal complexes as photocatalysts employed in water oxidation as well as in CO₂ photo-reduction reactions, the semi-reactions of artificial photosynthesis. The performances of various photocatalytic systems together with their related photocatalytic reaction mechanisms have been summarized and compared. The challenges of current studies and prospects for future development in artificial photosynthesis have also been suggested.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Principles of natural photosynthesis and constr-uction of artificial photosynthesis
3 Photocatalysts for water splitting
3.1 Proton reduction for H₂ evolution
3.2 Water oxidation for O₂ evolution
4 Photocatalytic conversion of CO₂
4.1 Mononuclear photocatalysts
4.2 Supermolecular photocatalysts
5 Conclusion