Advancements in Photothermal Catalytic CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol via Oxygen Defect Engineering

Abstract The catalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol represents one of the most promising strategies for facilitating the goal of carbon neutrality. Photothermal (PT) catalysis with the synergistic PT effect enables efficient CO2 reduction toward methanol under relatively mild conditions while maintaining high activity. The utilization of oxygen defect (Ov) engineering is prevalent in the formulation and advancement of high-efficiency catalysts due to augmenting CO2 adsorption, turning light absorption and the band gap. This work provides a systematic review of the advancements in Ov engineering for PT catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. First, the significance, properties, and principles of PT catalytic methanol synthesis through the hydrogenation reduction of CO2 are summarized. Second, the recent construction of various types of PT catalysts, including Cu-based and indium oxide-based catalysts, along with their mechanisms in the PT catalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol is classified. Third, an economic and technical analysis is conducted on PT catalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol. Finally, the prospects for Ov engineering in catalysts and potential development pathways are addressed. This review provides a timely and systematic summary of the mechanisms underlying Ov engineering in the PT catalytic CO2 reduction to methanol, which is significant for advancing the utilization of CO2.