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

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) 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 CO 2 ‐Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS)‐dedicated studies remain limited and are focused on the nonselective synthesis of C 2+ hydrocarbons. A possible extension in catalyst design may be leveraged upon re‐examination of the better‐established thermal CO 2 ‐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 CO 2 ‐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 CO 2 ‐FTS is discussed. Next, current photothermal studies on C 2+ hydrocarbon synthesis via FTS, CO 2 ‐FTS, and relevant thermal‐assisted photocatalytic systems involving CO 2 conversion are examined. Finally, the possible applications of structures encapsulated by porous media for boosting light utilization for photothermal CO 2 ‐FTS are considered. Overall, the potential for the uptake of strategies aimed at producing multifunctional, light‐responsive future catalysts suitable for CO 2 ‐FTS is explored.