International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24): A Platform to Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals

InfoMetricsFiguresRef. ACS Energy LettersASAPArticle This publication is free to access through this site. Learn More CiteCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore citation options ShareShare onFacebookX (Twitter)WeChatLinkedInRedditEmailJump toExpandCollapse Energy FocusFebruary 9, 2025International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24): A Platform to Sustainability and Net-Zero GoalsClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!Sebastian C. Peter*Sebastian C. PeterNew Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India*Email: [email protected]More by Sebastian C. Peterhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5211-446XOpen PDFACS Energy LettersCite this: ACS Energy Lett. 2025, 10, XXX, 1139–1142Click to copy citationCitation copied!https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c00245https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c00245Published February 9, 2025 Publication History Received 22 January 2025Accepted 29 January 2025Published online 9 February 2025newsPublished 2025 by American Chemical Society. This publication is available under these Terms of Use. Request reuse permissionsThis publication is licensed for personal use by The American Chemical Society. ACS PublicationsPublished 2025 by American Chemical SocietySubjectswhat are subjectsArticle subjects are automatically applied from the ACS Subject Taxonomy and describe the scientific concepts and themes of the article.AdsorptionCarbon capture and storageElectrodesMaterialsSustainabilityThe International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24; https://www.icccu24.com), held from December 9–13, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, emerged as a pivotal platform for addressing CO2 mitigation and advancing solutions toward sustainability. (1) This conference was organized by the National Centre for Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCCCU) at JNCASR, one of the first Centres of Excellence (CoE) on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) in India with a generous support of Department of Science and Technology (DST). This conference was planned with an intend to expedite shifting to a low-carbon economy by exchanging best practices, emerging technologies, and successful case studies emphasizing pragmatic solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration. This conference aims to unite scientists, engineers, innovators, policymakers, stakeholders in CCU, and leaders in a cooperative effort to address the issues of CO2 emissions and climate change, promoting practical solutions for a sustainable future. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, the conference underscored the critical role of CCU in achieving India's ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070.The major themes of the conference were Carbon Capture and Carbon Utilization (Figure 1). The ICCCU-24 convenor, Sebastian C Peter (JNCASR), pointed out in the opening session that "CCU is an important research activity as it can help reduce emissions and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. The cross-disciplinary training through the ICCCU-2024 will develop a deep understanding and problem-oriented approach in next-generation researchers working in different dimensions of CCU".Figure 1Figure 1. Overall themes of ICCCU-24.High Resolution ImageDownload MS PowerPoint SlideThe first approach focused on theoretical studies, providing a fundamental background for CCU chemistry. Biswarup Pathak (IIT Indore), Ali Haider (IIT Delhi), and Vidya Avasare (Ashoka University) extensively discussed their computational explorations of CO2 behavior through various pathways. (2,3) Soujanya Yarasi (CSIR-IICT) highlighted how quantum mechanical (QM) methods integrated with AI/ML techniques can predict the adsorption and interaction behaviors of amine solvents and solid adsorbent materials, enabling the optimization of CO2 capture processes. (4)Vikram Vishal (IIT Bombay) and Rajnish Kumar (IIT Madras) discussed strategies for mitigating risks in CO2-enhanced petroleum recovery and gas hydrates for capture and sequestration, respectively. (5,6) K. V. Agrawal (EPFL) explored membrane-based CO2 capture, focusing on unit-cell-thick MOF membranes precisely tuned with Å-scale pore sizes. (7) These membranes enable a highly scalable and uniform CO2 capture process. Raju Kumar Gupta (IIT Kanpur) emphasized the importance of solid sorbents, particularly nanostructured solid adsorbents for CO2 capture. (8)His research aims to develop low-cost, low-temperature adsorbents, reducing energy and cost requirements. Additionally, he highlighted CO2 conversion using Bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) materials. Ranga Rao (IIT Madras) presented an innovative approach to CO2 capture using waste biomass materials, such as coco-peat and chitosan, as sustainable sources for synthesizing activated porous carbons. (9) Coco-peat-derived carbon demonstrated CO2 adsorption of up to 4.8 mmol g–1 at 25 °C and 1 bar. He also discussed ultramicroporous carbons derived from chitosan hydrogels, which enable effective CO2 capture and catalytic conversion using materials like Cu2O films, mixed phases of BaTiO3/BaTi5O11, and POM-based systems. (10) C.M. Nagaraja (IIT Ropar) highlighted the strategic design, synthesis, and catalytic performance of CO2-philic framework materials. These materials integrate catalytic sites for efficient carbon capture and conversion directly from the air. (11) By facilitating simultaneous CO2 fixation into high-value chemicals under mild conditions, these smart materials offer sustainable and practical solutions for carbon management and utilization.Carbon utilization was classified into three categories: electrochemical, thermochemical and photochemical.A more sustainable electro-synthetic route for graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4 QDs) with size-tuned properties for enhanced electrochemical activity was proposed by Vijayamohanan K. Pillai (IISER Tirupati). (12) Addressing cathodic flooding, a major issue in electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2RR), Brian Seger (Technical University of Denmark) introduced a unique approach to study this phenomenon using synchrotron-based small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray fluorescence techniques. He also highlighted the advantages of CO electroreduction for enhanced stability and the use of Ni anodes, which avoid anodic corrosion of IrO2 anodes and their deposition on the cathode, ultimately boosting hydrogen generation. (13,14)Peter Strasser (TU Berlin) discussed the challenges of direct air or flue gas CO2 capture, emphasizing its necessity for atmospheric CO2 reduction. He presented the electrochemically mediated amine regeneration (EMAR) technique to capture CO2 via complexation and release it with proper mechanistic insights gained through operando mass spectrometry. (15) Prashanth W. Menezes (TU Berlin and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin) elaborated on the efficient design of catalysts and the tailored development of (pre)catalysts that dictate the formation of active catalysts under reaction conditions. He also explored strategies to reduce the overall full-cell potential of eCO2RR, replacing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode with organic oxidation reactions (OOR). (16) Abhishek Dey (IACS) addressed the challenges posed by proton and oxygen reductions leading to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which significantly diminish eCO2RR. He presented exploratory research on iron porphyrin bioinspired artificial mimics for highly selective eCO2RR, explaining how spin states, hydrogen bonding, and heterogenization influence the rate and selectivity of CO2RR products such as CO, HCOOH, CH3OH, CH4, or C2H4. (17) Praveen Kumar (IACS) proposed an innovative approach to reduce HER and enhance CO2 availability near the electrode surface by coating Bi 2D flakes with organic polyaniline (PANI). The amine groups in PANI attract acidic CO2 molecules, reducing overpotential and improving the faradaic efficiency for formate production. (18) Chinmoy Ranjan (IISc Bangalore) introduced the use of solid oxide electrodes in eCO2RR, elucidating their science through in situ Raman spectroscopy and in situ mass spectrometry techniques. (19) Pravin P. Ingole (IIT Delhi) discussed the exclusive design of nanocatalysts for efficient CO2 capture and electro-reduction, along with probing the photoelectrochemical photocurrent polarity switching effect by tuning electrochemical interfaces. (20) These groundbreaking contributions highlight the multidisciplinary efforts to tackle challenges in CO2 capture and utilization through advanced theoretical, experimental, and material design approaches.The photoconversion of CO2 is a promising green approach for CO2 mitigation. However, challenges related to efficiency and the limited availability of suitable materials were key topics addressed during the conference. Arnab Dutta (IIT Bombay) discussed an Mn-based molecular photocatalyst, [Mn(apap)2Br2], designed with a bulky multifunctional ligand to achieve efficient and selective CO2 reduction under visible light. (21) Tapas Kumar Maji (JNCASR) highlighted MOF-based systems with tuned electronic and optical properties for delivering C2 products. (22) Ujjal Gautam and Tokeer Ahmed (Jamia Millia Islamia) presented strategies for designing advanced catalytic systems for decarbonization and CO2 conversion, including MBenes, TMPs, MOFs, POPs, particularly COFs, and oxide-based heterostructured nanocatalysts. (23,24) Prashant V. Kamat (University of Notre Dame) addressed the unresolved chemistry and challenges of photochemical and electrochemical methods. He discussed the next-generation fabrication of photoelectrodes for designing more efficient photoelectrochemical devices, offering promising advancements in CO2 photoconversion technologies. (25,26)Thermocatalytic CO2 utilization is one of the most explored approaches; however, it is hindered by high energy demands due to the need for elevated temperatures and pressures, as well as the requirement for hydrogen. Kamal Kishore Pant (IIT Roorkee) presented his extensive research on thermochemical CO2 hydrogenation to produce syngas, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and bio-oil, including methodologies designed for low-temperature and ambient conditions. (27) Majd Al-Naji (BasCat, TU Berlin) introduced biorefinery processes utilizing the cellulosic fraction and lignin. (28) Sudhanshu Sharma (IIT Gandhinagar) discussed methane production from CO2 using geopolymer-supported Ru nanoparticles. (29) Subarna Maiti (CSIR-CSMCRI) highlighted the successful utilization of toxic agro-residues from cotton farming, unsuitable as fodder, for CO2 applications. (30) Manirul Islam (Kalyani University) showcased nearly 99% selectivity in forming cyclic carbonates via cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides. (31,32) Joyanta Choudhury (IISER Bhopal) explored the hydride-transfer mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation to fuels in depth, (33) while Abhijit Shrotri (Hokkaido University) emphasized the role of O-vacancy dynamics in oxides for CO2 activation and selective methanol production. (34) Komal Tripathi (IIT Roorkee) provided insights into the challenges of CO2 reduction to value-added products using experimental and theoretical (AI/ML) tools. Addressing the issue of metal dependency in catalysis, Swadhin Mandal (IISER Kolkata) presented affordable metal-free catalysts to achieve exceptional S-formylation of thiols using CO2. (35)The adoption of CCU technologies in any country is intrinsically tied to public and governmental policies. The conference emphasized this critical aspect by including discussions from experts on policy frameworks and strategic implementations. Ajay Phatak (Ecological Society and Terre Policy Centre) provided a comprehensive overview of CCU in the context of industrial decarbonization, highlighting policy-driven opportunities and the nexus between renewable energy, hydrogen, and CCU. Swaminathan Sivaram (INSA Senior Scientist, IISER Pune) stressed the urgency of CCUS for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. He underscored the need for low-carbon strategies, energy-efficient CO2 mitigation methods, and innovative life-cycle assessments. R. R. Sonde (Professor Emeritus, BITS Group of Institutions) advocated for prioritizing renewable energy and energy efficiency in technological advancements. He projected that India would need Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies capable of handling 1500 million tons of CO2 annually by 2030 and removing approximately 80000 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2070 for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Sukumar Devotta (Anna University) emphasized integrating green hydrogen from water electrolysis with CO2 hydrogenation for enhanced sustainability. (36) Neelima Alam (CEST, DST) highlighted her extensive involvement in fostering global best practices through bilateral and multilateral collaborations, leveraging platforms such as Mission Innovation (MI) 1.0, Accelerating CCUS Technologies (ACT), CDR Mission MI 2.0, and the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP). These insights underscore the importance of robust policy frameworks and international collaboration in advancing CCU technologies to combat climate change effectively.The event featured a panel discussion on CCU, moderated by Kannan Srinivasan (Director, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Research Institute, Bhavnagar), which brought together experts to assess the current status, challenges, and future potential of CCU technologies in India. This engaging dialogue underscored CCU as a cornerstone of India's climate strategy, emphasizing its pivotal role in reducing emissions and fostering sustainability. The conference also served as a platform for technology transfer and collaboration. V. K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog) inaugurated the commissioning of a 500 kg/day CO2-to-methanol plant at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant in Telangana, funded by CMPDI/CIL. This groundbreaking technology, developed by JNCASR and commissioned by Breathe, a JNCASR spin-off, represents a significant milestone in CCU innovation. Two collaborative projects were also inaugurated:CO2-to-ethanol and ethylene, developed jointly by JNCASR and HPCL.CO2-to-syngas, a collaboration between JNCASR and Tata Steel.Further, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Breathe, Mitocn, and Sadguru Sugars for the development of a 20 TPD CO2-to-methanol plant. V. K. Saraswat emphasized the importance of raising awareness about CCU technologies and fostering robust partnerships between academic institutions and industries. By accelerating innovation and collaboration, he highlighted the transformative potential of CCU in addressing climate challenges effectively and advancing India's sustainability goals.ICCCU-24 showcased the power of collective action in addressing one of the most urgent global challenges─climate change. It highlighted how international cooperation, fueled by shared objectives, can drive meaningful advancements. The conference not only propelled CCU technologies forward but also reinforced the global commitment to combating climate change through innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility. As the world strives for a sustainable future, ICCCU-24 stands as a beacon of how academic and industrial engagements can inspire real-world solutions, paving the way for a greener planet. The event successfully bridged the gap between seasoned experts and emerging researchers, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for advancing sustainability goals. During the closing session, it was announced that ICCCU-25 will be held from December 7–12, 2025, at the same location. The upcoming event aims to attract an even larger global audience from academia and industry, building on the success of its predecessor. ICCCU-25 will continue to strengthen international networks in CCU research and applications, focusing on driving sustainability and achieving Net Zero objectives.Author InformationClick to copy section linkSection link copied!Corresponding AuthorSebastian C. Peter - New Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5211-446X; Email: [email protected]NotesViews expressed in this Energy Focus are those of the author and not necessarily the views of the ACS.The author declares no competing financial interest.AcknowledgmentsClick to copy section linkSection link copied!Financial support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) (Grant Number: DST/TMDEWO/CCUS/CoE/2020/JNCASR(C)), is acknowledged. S.C.P. thanks DST for the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship (Grant DST/SJF/CSA-02/2017-18) Sheikh Saud Laboratory for Career Fellowship. The organizers of the event thank various sponsors including DST, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Tata Steel, Trilok Corporation, Partek, Texol Engineering, American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Breathe Applied Sciences, Spirare Energy, Mitcon, AdiChem technology and Smart Labtek.ReferencesClick to copy section linkSection link copied! This article references 36 other publications. 1Peter, S. C. Reduction of CO2 to Chemicals and Fuels: A Solution to Global Warming and Energy Crisis. ACS Energy Lett. 2018, 3 (7), 1557– 1561, DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.8b00878 Google Scholar1Reduction of CO2 to Chemicals and Fuels: A Solution to Global Warming and Energy CrisisPeter, Sebastian C.ACS Energy Letters (2018), 3 (7), 1557-1561CODEN: AELCCP; ISSN:2380-8195. (American Chemical Society) The thermochem., photochem., and electrochem. pathways for the redn. of carbon dioxide to other chems. are discussed. The choice of catalysts and process technol. is very crucial as it heavily depends on the methods employed. The catalysts should be stable at higher temp. in a thermochem. reaction, the catalyst should able to minimize the competitive H2 evolution reaction expected in the electrochem. method, and an appropriate semiconductor with a min. band gap of 1.23 eV is required for the photochem. method. >> More from SciFinder ®https://chemport.cas.org/services/resolver?origin=ACS&resolution=options&coi=1%3ACAS%3A528%3ADC%252BC1cXhtFWhurnF&md5=d3f92db7091fb0d23c0f2855b940019b2Chen, H.; Iyer, J.; Liu, Y.; Krebs, S.; Deng, F.; Jentys, A.; Searles, D. J.; Haider, M. A.; Khare, R.; Lercher, J. A. Mechanism of Electrocatalytic H2 Evolution, Carbonyl Hydrogenation, and Carbon-Carbon Coupling on Cu. J. Am. Chem. Soc.. 2024, 146 (20), 13949– 13961, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01911 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.3Das, A.; Roy, D.; Manna, S.; Pathak, B. Harnessing the Potential of Machine Learning to Optimize the Activity of Cu-Based Dual Atom Catalysts for CO2 Reduction Reaction. ACS mater. lett. 2024, 6 (12), 5316– 5324, DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.4c01208 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.4Zhang, H.; Bucior, B. J.; Snurr, R. Q. Chapter 4 - Molecular Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks. In Modelling and Simulation in the Science of Micro- and Meso-Porous Materials, Catlow, C. R. A., Van Speybroeck, V., van Santen, R. A., Eds.; Elsevier, 2018; pp 99– 149.Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.5Rahman, T.; Hazra, B.; Vishal, V. Pore structure evolution of Jharia coal for potential underground coal thermal treatment and associated CO2 sequestration. Fuel 2025, 381, 133577, DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2024.133577 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.6Linga, P.; Kumar, R.; Englezos, P. The clathrate hydrate process for post and pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide. J. Hazard. Mater. 2007, 149 (3), 625– 629, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.06.086 Google Scholar6The clathrate hydrate process for post and pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxideLinga, Praveen; Kumar, Rajnish; Englezos, PeterJournal of Hazardous Materials (2007), 149 (3), 625-629CODEN: JHMAD9; ISSN:0304-3894. (Elsevier B.V.) One of the new approaches for capturing carbon dioxide from treated flue gases (post-combustion capture) is based on gas hydrate crystn. The basis for the sepn. or capture of the CO2 is the fact that the carbon dioxide content of gas hydrate crystals is different than that of the flue gas. When a gas mixt. of CO2 and H2 forms gas hydrates the CO2 prefers to partition in the hydrate phase. This provides the basis for the sepn. of CO2 (pre-combustion capture) from a fuel gas (CO2/H2) mixt. The present study illustrates the concept and provides basic thermodn. and kinetic data for conceptual process design. In addn., hybrid conceptual processes for pre and post-combustion capture based on hydrate formation coupled with membrane sepn. are presented. >> More from SciFinder ®https://chemport.cas.org/services/resolver?origin=ACS&resolution=options&coi=1%3ACAS%3A528%3ADC%252BD2sXht1GhsbvJ&md5=5a4ece45f65c54fc3a105b45180f67157Huang, S.; Dakhchoune, M.; Luo, W.; Oveisi, E.; He, G.; Rezaei, M.; Zhao, J.; Alexander, D. T. L.; Züttel, A.; Strano, M. S.; Agrawal, K. V. Single-layer graphene membranes by crack-free transfer for gas mixture separation. Nat. Commun. 2018, 9 (1), 2632, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04904-3 Google Scholar7Single-layer graphene membranes by crack-free transfer for gas mixture separationHuang Shiqi; Dakhchoune Mostapha; He Guangwei; Rezaei Mojtaba; Zhao Jing; Agrawal Kumar Varoon; Luo Wen; Zuttel Andreas; Oveisi Emad; Alexander Duncan T L; Strano Michael SNature communications (2018), 9 (1), 2632 ISSN:. The single-layer graphene film, when incorporated with molecular-sized pores, is predicted to be the ultimate membrane. However, the major bottlenecks have been the crack-free transfer of large-area graphene on a porous support, and the incorporation of molecular-sized nanopores. Herein, we report a nanoporous-carbon-assisted transfer technique, yielding a relatively large area (1 mm(2)), crack-free, suspended graphene film. Gas-sieving (H2/CH4 selectivity up to 25) is observed from the intrinsic defects generated during the chemical-vapor deposition of graphene. Despite the ultralow porosity of 0.025%, an attractive H2 permeance (up to 4.1 × 10(-7) mol m(-2) s(-1) Pa(-1)) is observed. Finally, we report ozone functionalization-based etching and pore-modification chemistry to etch hydrogen-selective pores, and to shrink the pore-size, improving H2 permeance (up to 300%) and H2/CH4 selectivity (up to 150%). Overall, the scalable transfer, etching, and functionalization methods developed herein are expected to bring nanoporous graphene membranes a step closer to reality. >> More from SciFinder ®https://chemport.cas.org/services/resolver?origin=ACS&resolution=options&coi=1%3ACAS%3A280%3ADC%252BB3c%252FlsF2ksw%253D%253D&md5=f3a3363b4246990970e969239915413f8Das, S.; Prateek; Sharma, P.; Kumar, M.; Gupta, R. K.; Sharma, H. A review on clay exfoliation methods and modifications for CO2 capture application. Mater. Today Sustain. 2023, 23, 100427, DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2023.100427 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.9Jan, R.; Ghosh, T. K.; Shaikh, R. R.; Bhagavathy, S.; Shakeela, K.; Rao, G. R. Catalytic coupling of CO2 and epoxides with metal substituted Keggin based Hybrid Materials. J. Organomet. Chem. 2024, 1017, 123280, DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2024.123280 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.10Varghese, S. M.; Chowdhury, A. R.; Arnepalli, D. N.; Ranga Rao, G. Delineating the effects of pore structure and N-doping on CO2 adsorption using coco peat derived carbon. Carbon Trends 2023, 10, 100250, DOI: 10.1016/j.cartre.2023.100250 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.11Rani, P.; Das, R.; Nagaraja, C. M. A review on framework (MOF/COF/POP)-based materials for efficient conversion of CO2 to bio-active oxazolidinones. Inorg. Chem. Front. 2025, 12, 430– 478, DOI: 10.1039/D4QI02101K Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.12Ozhukil Valappil, M. K.; K. Pillai, V.; Alwarappan, S. Spotlighting graphene quantum dots and beyond: Synthesis, properties and sensing applications. Appl. Mater. Today 2017, 9, 350– 371, DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2017.09.002 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.13Ma, M.; Seger, B. Rational Design of Local Reaction Environment for Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 into Multicarbon Products. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2024, 63 (23), e202401185 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401185 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.14Qiao, Y.; Seger, B. Recent advances in single crystal and facet dependency of copper electrodes on electrochemical CO2 reduction. Curr. Opin. Chem. Eng. 2024, 43, 100999, DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2023.100999 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.15Brückner, S.; Feng, Q.; Ju, W.; Galliani, D.; Testolin, A.; Klingenhof, M.; Ott, S.; Strasser, P. Design and diagnosis of high-performance CO2-to-CO electrolyzer cells. Nat. Chem. Eng. 2024, 1 (3), 229– 239, DOI: 10.1038/s44286-024-00035-3 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.16Hausmann, J. N.; Menezes, P. W. A rising mismatch between system complexity, characterization, and theory in electrocatalysis: challenges and solutions. Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 2024, 342, 123447, DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2023.123447 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.17Sarkar, P.; Sarkar, S.; Nayek, A.; Adarsh, N. N.; Pal, A. K.; Datta, A.; Dey, A.; Ghosh, P. Low Potential CO2 Reduction by Inert Fe(II)-Macrobicyclic Complex: A New Concept of Cavity Assisted CO2 Activation. Small 2024, 20 (10), 2304794, DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304794 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.18Mandal, S.; Ghosh, D.; Kumar, P. Recent advancement in heterogeneous CO2 reduction processes in aqueous electrolyte. J. Mater. Chem. A 2022, 10 (39), 20667– 20706, DOI: 10.1039/D2TA03441G Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.19Kamboj, V.; Raychowdhury, S.; Ranjan, C. Operando studies on solid oxide ceria electrodes during CO2 electroreduction. Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 2025, 365, 124880, DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124880 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.20Arora, I.; Garg, S.; Sapi, A.; Ingole, P. P.; Chandra, A. Insights into photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction pathway: Catalytic modification for enhanced solar fuel production. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 2024, 137, 1– 28, DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2024.03.011 Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.21Das, C.; Ghosh, S.; Biswas, R.; Lahiri, G. K.; Dutta, A. A ligand-modulated photostable Mn(i)-carbonyl complex for preferential conversion of CO2 to CO in water. Chem. Commun. 2024, 60 (76), 10492– 10495, DOI: 10.1039/D4CC03202K Google ScholarThere is no corresponding record for this reference.22Karmakar, S.; Barman, S.; Rahimi, F. A.; Maji, T. K. Covalent grafting of molecular photosensitizer and catalyst on MOF-808: effect of pore confinement toward visible light-driven CO2 reduction in water. Energy Environ. Sci. 2021, 14 (4), 2429– 2440, DOI: 10.1039/D0EE03643A Google Scholar22Covalent grafting of molecular photosensitizer and catalyst on MOF-808: effect of pore confinement toward visible light-driven CO2 reduction in waterKarmakar, Sanchita; Barman, Soumitra; Rahimi, Faruk Ahamed; Maji, Tapas KumarEnergy & Environmental Science (2021), 14 (4), 2429-2440CODEN: EESNBY; ISSN:1754-5706. (Royal Society of Chemistry) The photocatalytic redn. of CO2 in water using a single integrated system utilizing sunlight is the ultimate goal for artificial photosynthesis. Here, we report the design and multistep synthesis of Zr-MBA-Ru/Re-MOF for photocatalytic CO2 redn. via post-synthetic linker exchange (PSE) followed by metalation on MOF-808. The simultaneous covalent immobilization of the mol. [Ru(bpy)3]2+ photosensitizer and [Re(bpy)CO3Cl] catalyst in the confined space of the MOF resulted in highly efficient CO2-to-CO formation with a max. prodn. rate of 440μmol g-1 h-1 in aq. medium without any sacrificial electron donor (with selectivity >99%, QE = 0.11). In parallel, under sunlight, this assembly also produces 210μmol g-1 of CO in 6 h in aq. medium. In addn., a max. prodn. rate of 180μmol g-1 h-1 is obsd. in MeCN/H2O (2 : 1) mixed solvent medium with BNAH and TEOA as the sacrificial electron donor (with CO selectivity 69%, QE = 0.22). The high surface area-based Zr-MOF (MOF-808) is robust and water-tolerant, and its post-synthetically modifiable pore surface allows us to covalently attach the mol. photosensitizer and catalyst in the confined nanospace. Covalent grafting of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ photosensitizer significantly enhances the l