Photoreduction of carbon dioxide was performed using a batch reaction system. The catalysts tested were different photoactive materials of metal oxide systems supported on magnesium oxide, aluminium oxide and silicon dioxide. The conversion of carbon dioxide to C-1-C-3 compounds took place preferentially on basic oxide supported systems. Acidic oxide supported catalysts showed more selectivity to C-1 compounds. The trend of C1-C3 improved selectivity remained the same, irrespective of the tested photoactive material. X-ray, SEM and reflectance data revealed no change in the characteristics of the photocatalysts during the 6 h of the batch reaction. The reaction mechanism for the formation of C-1-C-3 is discussed.