Recent progress and challenges in heterogeneous CO2 catalytic activation

Catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added products has attracted overwhelming attention considering its environmental significance and economic benefit. However, because of the kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability of CO2, great challenge still remains on its efficient activation, which is well-accepted as an uphill reaction that requires substantial energy inputs. This mini-review summarizes the state-of-the-art CO2 activation strategies, including thermocatalysis, electro-catalysis, photocatalysis, and other emerging catalytic tech-niques, for instance, coupling photo with thermal field. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages, and potential products are discussed. Furthermore, CO has many industrial applications, such as being an important feedstock in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Therefore, recent research prog-ress and challenges in CO2 catalytic conversion to CO are highlighted in this mini-review by comparing different tech-niques with an outlook on the development of catalysts.

Automated summary

Catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added products is of great significance for the environment and economy. However, activating CO2 efficiently remains a challenge due to its kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability. This mini-review focuses on the state-of-the-art CO2 activation strategies, including thermocatalysis, electro-catalysis, photocatalysis, and other emerging techniques. The advantages, disadvantages, and potential products are discussed, with a particular emphasis on the catalytic conversion of CO2 to CO and its industrial applications.