From photocatalysis to photon-phonon co-driven catalysis for methanol reforming to hydrogen and valuable by-products

Hydrogen energy will play a dominant role in energy transition from fossil fuel to low carbon processes, while economical, efficient, and safe hydrogen storage and transportation technology has become one of the main bottlenecks that currently hinder the application of the hydrogen energy scale. Methanol has widely been regarded as a primary liquid H₂ storage medium due to its high hydrogen content, easy storage and transportation and relatively low toxicity. Hydrogen release from methanol using photocatalysis has thus been the focus of intense research and recent years have witnessed its fast progress and drawbacks. This review offers a comprehensive overview of methanol-based hydrogen production via photocatalysis, spotlighting recent developments in photocatalysts referring to thermal catalysts, including efficient semiconductors and cocatalysts, followed by the discussion of mechanistic investigation via advanced techniques and their disadvantages. Beyond this, particular focus has been placed on the discussion of co-driven processes involving coupling of photons (photocatalysis) with phonons (thermal catalysis) - the concept of photon-phonon co-driven catalysis - for methanol reforming and cutting-edge reactor design strategies, in order to enhance the overall process efficiency and applicability. Concluding with forward-looking insights, this review aims to provide valuable guidance for future research on hydrogen release through methanol reforming.