Comprehensive Insight into External Field‐Driven CO2 Reduction to CO: Recent Progress and Future Prospects

Abstract Currently, thermal catalysis is the predominant method for achieving the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to carbon monoxide (CO), which is a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of other high value‐added chemicals via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. To extend the applicability of CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) to CO, researchers have explored CO 2 RR to CO that utilizes other external fields in addition to thermal fields. This review commences by providing an overview of the research background pertinent to the CO 2 RR to CO, and then the primary reaction mechanisms and potential pathways associated with the CO 2 RR process are summarized. Furthermore, the impact of various external fields, including traditional thermal fields, light fields, photothermal coupling fields, solar thermochemical fields, laser fields, electric fields, photoelectric fields, electromagnetic fields, and plasma fields, on the CO 2 RR to CO is investigated. Finally, a summary and future perspectives on the CO 2 RR to CO as influenced by external fields are presented. It is anticipated that this review will provide valuable insights for research focused on the preparation of high‐value‐added CO through CO 2 RR enhanced by external fields.