Inorganic Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) conversion and utilization is a potential means to solve the energy crisis and environmental problems in modern times. However, the energy conversion efficiency is still limited by the high barriers in CO 2 activation and conversion. Due to their ability to capture CO 2 , frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have attracted much attention recently. In this Minireview, we first introduce the basic principles and challenges of photocatalytic CO 2 reduction, including different CO 2 reduction reaction pathways, product selectivity and water oxidation kinetics. Subsequently, research progress of FLPs on the activation of CO 2 /H 2 O molecules, charge separation and transfer and the product selectivity are discussed. Finally, the challenges in photocatalytic CO 2 reduction are presented and future development directions are briefly described.