Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2024, Vol. 60: 25-41.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(23)64642-X

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Rational design and mechanistic insights of advanced photocatalysts for CO2-to-C2+ production: Status and challenges

Chenyu Dua, Jianping Shenga,b,*(), Fengyi Zhonga, Ye Hea, Vitaliy P. Gurod, Yanjuan Suna, Fan Donga,b,c,*()   

  1. aSchool of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China
    bCMA Key Open Laboratory of Transforming Climate Resources to Economy, Chongqing 401147, China
    cResearch Center for Carbon-Neutral Environmental & Energy Technology, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China
    dInstitute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100047, Uzbekistan
  • Received:2023-12-29 Accepted:2024-03-02 Online:2024-05-18 Published:2024-05-20
  • Contact: E-mail: jpshengchn@163.com (J. Sheng), dongfan@uestc.edu.cn/dfctbu@126.com (F. Dong).
  • About author:Jianping Sheng received his Ph.D. degree in 2018 from the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, China. Currently, he is an associate professor at the School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. His current research interest is the design and synthesis of novel perovskite quantum dot-based catalysts for environment and energy photocatalysis..
    Fan Dong received his Ph.D. degree in 2010 from Zhejiang University. Currently, he is a full professor at the Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. His research interest includes photocatalysis, environmental and energy catalysis.
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(22361142703);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22225606);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22261142663);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22176029);CMA Key Open Laboratory of Transforming Climate Resources to Economy(2023005K);Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021JDJQ0006)

Abstract:

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion into high-value chemicals is becoming an increasingly promising avenue of research in the quest for sustainable carbon resource utilization. Particularly, compounds with two or more carbons (C2+) have higher added value than methane, carbon monoxide, or formate, which are typically the major products of CO2 reduction. In this review, we present a detailed account of recent advancements in the field of photocatalytic CO2 conversion, with a specific focus on the synthesis of multi-carbon oxygenates. We systematically introduce the rational design of photocatalysts with high effectivity and selectivity, which follows a methodical inside-to-outside order. These strategies consider various aspects of photocatalyst optimization, from the core structure to the surface properties. Meanwhile, we delve into an in-depth analysis of the underlying catalytic mechanisms, particularly emphasizing the C-C coupling and multi-electron-coupled proton transfer processes. Lastly, we examine the prospects and challenges in developing photocatalysts for CO2 conversion, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to design advanced catalysts for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Key words: CO2 reduction, C2+ product, Photocatalysis, Active site, Reaction mechanism