Inorganic Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion and utilization is a potential means to solve the energy crisis and environmental problems in modern times. However, the energy conversion efficiency is still limited by the high barriers in CO2 activation and conversion. Due to their ability to capture CO2, frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have attracted much attention recently. In this Minireview, we first introduce the basic principles and challenges of photocatalytic CO2 reduction, including different CO2 reduction reaction pathways, product selectivity and water oxidation kinetics. Subsequently, research progress of FLPs on the activation of CO2/H2O molecules, charge separation and transfer and the product selectivity are discussed. Finally, the challenges in photocatalytic CO2 reduction are presented and future development directions are briefly described.

Automated summary

This Minireview introduces the basic principles and challenges of photocatalytic CO2 reduction, and discusses the research progress of FLPs in the activation of CO2/H2O molecules, charge separation and transfer, and product selectivity. It also presents the challenges in photocatalytic CO2 reduction and briefly describes future development directions.