Light-Driven Thermal Nanoreactors: A Framework for Integrated Photothermal Conversion, Sensing and Control

This contribution presents a novel unified framework for the development of photothermal nanoreactors by integrating three fundamental and traditionally disconnected pillars: photothermal nanomaterial engineering, nanoscale temperature measurement, and thermal control strategies. Beyond providing a critical analysis of the materials, mechanisms, and light-matter interactions governing photothermal heat generation, this work systematically categorizes and evaluates existing temperature sensing and thermal regulation technologies, discussing how they can be adapted and integrated for reliable operation at the nanoscale for photothermal applications. Building upon this unified perspective, the review identifies the fundamental scientific and technological requirements for the rational design of photothermal nanoreactors, which could be capable of monitoring and regulating their own thermal microenvironment. Finally, it extends the discussion toward the challenges associated with process scale-up, highlighting the need for rigorous descriptions of radiation-matter interactions, including coupled light and thermal transport through radiative transfer formulations, as an essential step for bridging the gap between proof-of-concept nanosystems and scalable photothermal reactor technologies.