Photothermal CO<sub>2</sub> Catalysis toward the Synthesis of Solar Fuel: From Material and Reactor Engineering to Techno-Economic Analysis.

Ding, Xue; Liu, Wenxuan; Zhao, Junhua; Wang, Lu; Zou, Zhigang · Adv Mater · 2025

review · Level V

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Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), a member of greenhouse gases, contributes significantly to maintaining a tolerable environment for all living species. However, with the development of modern society and the utilization of fossil fuels, the concentration of atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> has increased to 400 ppm, resulting in a serious greenhouse effect. Thus, converting CO<sub>2</sub> into valuable chemicals is highly desired, especially with renewable solar energy, which shows great potential with the manner of photothermal catalysis. In this review, recent advancements in photothermal CO<sub>2</sub> conversion are discussed, including the design of catalysts, analysis of mechanisms, engineering of reactors, and the corresponding techno-economic analysis. A guideline for future investigation and the anthropogenic carbon cycle are provided.