Photodriven CO2 Hydrogenation into Diverse Products: Recent Progress and Perspective

Converting CO2 into value-added chemicals through hydrogenation can optimize the energy structure dominated by fossil energy, effectively alleviate environmental problems, and achieve full utilization of carbon resources. However, the traditional CO2 hydrogenation reactions need to be carried out under high temperature and pressure, causing inevitable secondary pollution to the environment. A fundamental way to solve these problems is to use clean solar energy to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals and to establish an artificial carbon cycle process. In this Perspective, we highlight recent advances in photodriven CO2 conversion, including the reverse water-gas-shift reaction, methanation reaction, methanol synthesis reaction, and C2+ hydrocarbon synthesis reaction. Finally, we also discuss the challenges and future investigation opportunities for modulating the selective conversion of CO2. This Perspective offers guidance for the design of photodriven CO2 conversion or even the entire C1 catalyst chemistry for tuning product selectivity and activity.

Automated summary

Converting CO2 into value-added chemicals using clean solar energy is essential for optimizing energy structure, alleviating environmental problems, and fully utilizing carbon resources. Recent advances in photodriven CO2 conversion include various reactions such as the reverse water-gas-shift reaction, methanation reaction, methanol synthesis reaction, and C2+ hydrocarbon synthesis reaction. However, challenges and opportunities for selective conversion of CO2 still need to be addressed and further investigated.