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

Carbon dioxide (CO2) 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 CO2-Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS)-dedicated studies remain limited and are focused on the nonselective synthesis of C2+ hydrocarbons. A possible extension in catalyst design may be leveraged upon re-examination of the better-established thermal CO2-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 CO2-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 CO2-FTS is discussed. Next, current photothermal studies on C2+ hydrocarbon synthesis via FTS, CO2-FTS, and relevant thermal-assisted photocatalytic systems involving CO2 conversion are examined. Finally, the possible applications of structures encapsulated by porous media for boosting light utilization for photothermal CO2-FTS are considered. Overall, the potential for the uptake of strategies aimed at producing multifunctional, light-responsive future catalysts suitable for CO2-FTS is explored.