Advances in the catalytic conversion of CO₂

Jinsha Middle School, 226300 Nantong, China

^* Corresponding author: teaching@xjge.cn

Abstract

The catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) offers significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing valuable chemicals, driven by advancements in sustainable technology and environmental regulations. Current catalytic methods for CO₂ conversion primarily include photocatalytic, thermocatalytic, and electrocatalytic processes, each using distinct energy sources—light, heat, and electricity. Among these, photocatalytic conversion stands out for its environmental friendliness, as it utilizes solar energy to reduce CO₂ into useful products. However, challenges such as low photon absorption efficiency and catalyst degradation have limited its large-scale application. Recent research has focused on enhancing photocatalyst performance by introducing nanomaterials and multifunctional catalysts. Innovations, such as noble metal-doped semiconductors and two-dimensional materials like graphene, have shown promise in improving light absorption, electron transfer, and stability. This paper reviews the latest advancements, explores the advantages and limitations of each method, and suggests optimization directions for effective CO₂ catalytic conversion, with an emphasis on achieving industrial viability.