Synergetic energy coupled thermal catalytic systems for CO2 reduction

Converting CO₂ into fuel or chemicals using renewable energy is a promising strategy for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. However, due to the highly stable C=O bond, CO₂ activation requires a significant energy input to elevate the reactant to a higher energy state, plus an efficient catalyst to surmount the activation energy barrier. Despite significant advancements in catalytic methods using a single energy input for CO₂ reduction, the catalytic efficiency and economic viability have yet to be improved. However, integrating multiple energy sources in catalysis has shown significant potential for improving catalytic efficiency. These energy-coupled systems demonstrate a synergistic effect, stemming from the multiple excitation modes of the reactants, the reaction intermediates, or even the catalysts. To our knowledge, there has not been a systematic review addressing synergetic energy-coupled catalysis for CO₂ reduction. Herein, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of recent advances in CO₂ reduction driven by synergetic energy-coupled catalysis. Furthermore, we explore the technological challenges and prospects associated with the synergistic effect in energy-coupled catalytic systems, presenting our insights on potential breakthrough directions.