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 CO 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. [Display omitted] •Recent advances in synergetic energy-coupled catalytic systems for CO2 reduction are summarized and discussed.•Synergetic effects within these energy-coupled systems, stemming from the multiple excitation modes of reactants, reaction intermediates, and the catalyst, are analyzed.•Technological challenges and potential opportunities inherent in the synergistic effect within the realm of energy-coupled systems are presented.•The review provides an insight into potential avenues for sustainable, eco-friendly energy-coupled catalytic technology, while at the same time deepening our understanding of energy-coupled thermal catalytic CO2 reduction.