Advances of photothermal chemistry in photocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and synergetic photothermocatalysis for solar-to-fuel generation

The urgency of reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining fuel supply for the development of society remains one of the greatest challenges. Solar energy, a clean and sustainable energy resource, can be converted into fuels through solar-driven catalysis, and this provides an attractive solution for future energy demand. The current development of photothermal catalysis (PTC) based on the integration of solar thermal and photochemical contributions is becoming increasingly popular for full spectrum utilization. The combination of the thermochemical and photochemical processes synergistically drives the catalytic reactions efficiently under relatively mild conditions. In this review, the mechanisms of PTC are classified based on driving forces and the benefits of photothermal effects in different PTC reactions are discussed. Subsequently, the techniques for differentiating and quantifying the various effects of PTC, including experimental designs, thermometry characterization techniques, and computational studies, are summarized. Then, the major determinant properties and architectural designs for efficient photothermal catalysts are offered. Moreover, applications for fuel generation through water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future directions of PTC are presented. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current advances in PTC along with a guide for understanding the mechanisms and rational material designs to pursue solar fuel that would diversify and increase the sustainability of our energy supply.