Recently progress in molten salt-assisted synthesis catalysts for photo−/electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

To address the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependence and carbon neutrality goals, photo−/electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO 2 RR) technology has garnered significant attention due to its high-efficiency carbon conversion potential. However, the development of high-performance catalysts remains a core challenge. In the past five years, catalysts prepared by molten salt-assisted synthesis (MSAS) have rapidly emerged in the field of CO 2 RR due to their unique physical and chemical properties, but there has been no comprehensive review of this system. Therefore, this paper innovatively conducts a systematic analysis of the structure-property relationships of MSAS catalysts in CO 2 RR in recent years, filling the gap in this field. Additionally, the paper delves into the role of MSAS in optimizing light absorption, charge carrier separation, charge transport, and active site construction, revealing the intrinsic connection between material properties and catalytic performance. This review further proposes targeted synthesis strategies and performance enhancement pathways for catalysts, providing theoretical support for the development of efficient and stable CO 2 RR catalysts, which hold significant implications for advancing carbon neutrality technologies. Molten salt-assisted synthesis (MSAS) strategy was used to fabricate high performance catalyst for photo−/electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction (CO 2 RR) to obtain valued-added products. • The mechanism of photo−/electrocatalytic CO 2 RR was summarized. • The superior characteristics brought by the molten salt systems to catalysts are analyzed. • The application of MSAS catalyst in photo−/electrocatalytic CO 2 RR was discussed.