Metal-Based Materials for CO2 Conversion in MES and PBS Systems

Abstract

Metal-based materials—including pure metals, alloys, compounds, and MOFs—play pivotal roles in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) and photocatalytic biohybrid systems (PBS), offering promising routes for sustainable CO₂ conversion. This review outlines the distinctive electronic, optical, and catalytic properties of these materials that enhance extracellular electron transfer (EET), interfacial coupling, and catalytic activity. Advantages, such as enhanced light harvesting, quantum efficiency, and interface integration, are discussed, alongside persistent challenges in material stability, microbial compatibility, and system scalability. Emerging approaches—including single-atom catalysts (SACs), pathway engineering, and data driven material exploration—show promise in addressing these limitations. This review aims to guide the rational development of MES and PBS systems, thereby fostering progress in sustainable CO₂ conversion.