Recent progress and challenges in heterogeneous CO2 catalytic activation

Catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added products has attracted overwhelming attention considering its environmental significance and economic benefit. However, because of the kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability of CO2, great challenge still remains on its efficient activation, which is well-accepted as an uphill reaction that requires substantial energy inputs. This mini-review summarizes the state-of-the-art CO2 activation strategies, including thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and other emerging catalytic techniques, for instance, coupling photo with thermal field. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages, and potential products are discussed. Furthermore, CO has many industrial applications, such as being an important feedstock in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Therefore, recent research progress and challenges in CO2 catalytic conversion to CO are highlighted in this mini-review by comparing different techniques with an outlook on the development of catalysts.