NAD(P)H-Inspired CO₂ Reduction Based on Organohydrides

Abstract

The conversion of CO 2 into value-added chemicals and fuels using stable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly metal-free catalysts is a promising technology to mitigate the global environmental crisis. In the Calvin cycle of natural photosynthesis, CO 2 reduction (CO 2 R) is achieved using the cofactor NADPH as the reducing agent through 2e − /1H + or H − transfer. Consequently, inspired by NAD(P)H, a series of organohydrides with adjustable reducibility show remarkable potential for efficient metal-free CO 2 R. In this review, we first summarize the photosensitizers for NAD(P)H regeneration and list the representative photoenzyme CO 2 R system. Then, we introduce the NAD(P)H-inspired organohydrides and their applications in redox reactions. Furthermore, we discuss recent progress and breakthroughs by utilizing organohydrides as metal-free CO 2 R catalysts. Moreover, we delve into the reaction mechanisms and applications of these organohydrides, shedding light on their potential as sustainable alternatives to metal-based CO 2 R catalysts. Finally, we offer insights into the prospects and potential directions for advancing this intriguing avenue of organohydride-based catalysts for CO 2 R.