Exploring the functional application of polymeric materials on photo- and electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction

The electrochemical and photochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels presents a viable pathway toward carbon neutrality and sustainable energy solutions. Electrocatalysts and photocatalysts play a central role in this conversion by lowering activation barriers and steering reaction pathways toward desired products under ambient conditions. Among various types of catalytic materials, polymeric materials have emerged as a promising class of catalysts and functional supports due to their structural versatility, tunable functionality, and capacity to tailor the local reaction environment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in polymer-based systems for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (pCO2RR and eCO2RR). We discuss the fundamental mechanisms of each process and classify polymeric materials based on their functional roles, from catalytically active components to interfacial modifiers. Emphasis is placed on how polymer architectures enhance CO2 adsorption, charge separation, intermediate stabilization, and product selectivity. Finally, we outline key challenges and future directions for advancing polymer-integrated CO2RR systems.