Light‐Enhanced Conversion of CO₂ to Light Olefins: Basis in Thermal Catalysis, Current Progress, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) valorization to light olefins via sustainable energy input poses great industrial significance for the synthesis of key chemical feedstocks and reduces emission of this potent greenhouse gas. Solar energy, harnessed using light‐capturing catalytic materials, can negate external heat requirements for the energy‐intensive reaction. Presently, photothermal CO2‐Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS)‐dedicated studies remain limited and are focused on the nonselective synthesis of C2+ hydrocarbons. A possible extension in catalyst design may be leveraged upon re‐examination of the better‐established thermal CO2‐FTS in conjunction with studies on photothermal FTS. To this end, herein, a narrative on the prominent chemical mechanisms and existing strategies for Fe‐based catalyst design within thermal CO2‐FTS as a foundation is established. Then, with the intent of regulating product selectivity, a gap in the adaptation of encapsulated structures involving zeolitic frameworks for CO2‐FTS is discussed. Next, current photothermal studies on C2+ hydrocarbon synthesis via FTS, CO2‐FTS, and relevant thermal‐assisted photocatalytic systems involving CO2 conversion are examined. Finally, the possible applications of structures encapsulated by porous media for boosting light utilization for photothermal CO2‐FTS are considered. Overall, the potential for the uptake of strategies aimed at producing multifunctional, light‐responsive future catalysts suitable for CO2‐FTS is explored.

Photocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide: Current Developments, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…The other option is to design new hybrid systems of photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices, allowing solar energy to be successfully utilized for more extended periods of time, and perhaps combine emergent technologies such as external stimuli technologies, such as magnetic, , mechanical, − or thermal. , In the future, hybrid photoreactor architecture appears to be a promising solution for the year-round production of solar fuel and offers much more consideration, with tremendous potential impact on society and space exploration. , Consequently, by combining solar cells with a photoreactor system, it is possible to carry out efficient and affordable heterogeneous photocatalytic processes.…”

Synergistic effect between In2O3 and ZrO2 in the reverse water gas shift reaction

“…The reverse water gas shi (RWGS) reaction hydrogenates CO 2 into CO, which can be further used to synthesize methanol, breaking through the thermodynamic equilibrium limit of direct methanol production from CO 2 , 10,11 and can also be combined with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process to prepare useful chemicals such as olens. [12][13][14][15] Whether producing methanol through the CAMERE method (carbon dioxide hydrogenation to form methanol via a RWGS reaction) or preparing low-carbon olens via the CO 2 -FTS method, the RWGS reaction with high CO yield is a crucial step. Therefore, the RWGS reaction is considered as the most promising and prospective pathway in re-utilizing CO 2 .…”

Shedding Light on Solar Olefin Synthesis: Advances and Perspectives

“…30−32 The strategic integration of photocatalytic processes with thermocatalytic mechanisms, a burgeoning field of research, has the potential to augment the overall catalytic performance synergistically. [11][12][13]28,33 The advancement of light-involved olefin production has been demonstrated in the process of ethane and propane dehydrogenation, methane coupling, and CO x reduction via H 2 or H 2 O. Several reviews have reported the catalysis and mechanism in thermal catalytic olefin synthesis and light-invovled CO x hydrogenation to various products (Table 1).…”

“…Light olefins can be synthesized from diverse feedstocks, including hydrocarbon sources like crude oil, natural gas, and shale gas, as well as oxygenates such as biomass, organic waste, and methanol, as listed in Table . In recent years, CO and CO 2 have also emerged as significant raw materials for light olefins synthesis, reflecting a broader trend toward sustainability and carbon utilization. − Traditional cracking and Fischer–Tropsch processes for producing light olefins are energy-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, emitting approximately 400 million tons of CO 2 each year . Thus, the efficiency, selectivity, stability, and environmental compatibility in olefin production have been increasingly prioritized.…”