Comprehensive Insight into External Field-Driven CO2 Reduction to CO: Recent Progress and Future Prospects

Abstract

Currently, thermal catalysis is the predominant method for achieving the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to carbon monoxide (CO), which is a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of other high value-added chemicals via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. To extend the applicability of CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂ RR) to CO, researchers have explored CO₂ RR to CO that utilizes other external fields in addition to thermal fields. This review commences by providing an overview of the research background pertinent to the CO₂ RR to CO, and then the primary reaction mechanisms and potential pathways associated with the CO₂ RR process are summarized. Furthermore, the impact of various external fields, including traditional thermal fields, light fields, photothermal coupling fields, solar thermochemical fields, laser fields, electric fields, photoelectric fields, electromagnetic fields, and plasma fields, on the CO₂ RR to CO is investigated. Finally, a summary and future perspectives on the CO₂ RR to CO as influenced by external fields are presented. It is anticipated that this review will provide valuable insights for research focused on the preparation of high-value-added CO through CO₂ RR enhanced by external fields.