Recent Advances in Porous Materials for Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction into solar fuels is a promising technology for addressing energy and CO₂ emission issues. Because of the superior properties in CO₂ adsorption and activation, molecular diffusion, light absorption, and charge separation and transfer, porous materials have been developed into a multifunctional platform for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. In this Perspective, we first discuss the emerging trends of CO₂ reduction in major inorganic porous materials-based photocatalysts, such as mesoporous materials, macroporous materials, hollow materials, hierarchically porous materials, and zeolites. Prospects and challenges in the development of porous materials-based photocatalysts are then outlined. Finally, we envision feasible solutions for the deployment of porous materials to enhance photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance.