Quantum Dots Encapsulated in Porous Matrices for Artificial Photosynthesis: From H₂ Evolution to CO₂ Reduction and Beyond.

Abstract

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as promising materials for artificial photosynthesis, owing to their exceptional light-harvesting capabilities, efficient exciton generation, and tunable surface properties. However, challenges still remain in enhancing their solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency, reaction selectivity, long-term stability, and diversification of redox reactions. A promising strategy to address these limitations involves the precise confinement of QDs within porous matrices (either flexible or rigid frameworks), which offers new opportunities for advanced artificial photosynthetic systems. Furthermore, recent progress in nanomaterial synthesis and advanced characterization techniques has enabled innovative approaches for encapsulating QDs in porous matrices. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in this field, covering fabrication strategies, charge carrier dynamics, and emerging functionalities. First, the predominant synthetic approaches is discussed, including "ship-in-a-bottle" and "bottle-around-the-ship" methods, along with the benefits and challenges of QD encapsulation in porous matrices. Next, key applications is highlighted, such as photocatalytic H₂ evolution, CO₂ photoreduction, and organic photoredox catalysis, providing mechanistic insights and performance comparisons. Finally, current challenges is outlined and future study directions to inspire the rational design of QD/porous material composites for large-scale, practical photochemical applications and beyond.