Advancements and prospects of near-infrared-light driven CO₂ reduction reaction

In the realm of photoconversion of CO₂ into high-value chemicals, the importance of near-infrared (NIR) light is gradually gaining recognition. Relative to ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, NIR light (700-2500 nm), accounting for ca. 50% of solar energy, offers unique advantages such as deeper penetration depth and stronger photothermal effects. Thus, utilizing NIR light can not only compensate for the inherent limitations of UV/visible light-based CO₂ reduction systems, but also maximize the use of solar energy. However, efficiently harnessing NIR light remains challenging because of its low photon energy, making it difficult to drive CO₂ reduction. Additionally, the limited knowledge of the reduction mechanism driven by low-energy photons further hinders progress in this field. In this review, we systematically introduce the motivation and fundamental principles of NIR-light-driven CO₂ reduction, the design strategies for NIR-light-activated photocatalysts (including the energy band structure regulation strategy, the energy transfer strategy, and the photothermal utilization strategy), NIR-light absorption mechanisms of these catalysts, and representative applications of these strategies. Finally, we present our perspectives on the challenges facing NIR-light-driven CO₂ reduction and provide suggestions for improving current photocatalysts, characterization techniques, evaluation procedures, and potential large-scale applications in future research. With further advancements in NIR-light-driven CO₂ reduction, it holds great promise to maximize the exploitation of solar energy, ultimately achieving efficient CO₂ photoconversion for industrial applications.