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.