Recent advances in 1D nanostructured catalysts for photothermal and photocatalytic reduction of CO2

The development of photocatalysts that can efficiently convert CO2 into other valuable chemicals via photocatalytic and photothermal processes is critical to the current energy and climate change problems. However, low separation of charge carriers, short light absorption, and low activation of CO2 molecules in photocatalysis limit the catalysts’ performance. Designing 1D heterostructures containing multiple materials can be a viable solution as their unique properties, such as high surface area, short diffusion paths of charge carriers, and enhanced light absorption properties, can potentially promote the reaction rate and product selectivity. In this review, we summarize the general features of heterostructures involving nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods, and nanobelts. Next, the main synthesis strategies are briefly highlighted, followed by the most important findings concerning their catalytic activity in the photothermal and photocatalytic CO2 reduction processes. The article concludes with some of the current challenges and potential solutions.