Photo-driven CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates

Thermally driven catalytic CO2 fixation into epoxides via cycloaddition reactions has been extensively studied not only as an appealing method of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) but also as a promising strategy to produce cyclic carbonates. However, inspired by photothermal/photocatalytic catalysis and the concept of green chemistry, solar energy has recently been utilized as a novel and effective substitute for external heating to drive this reaction with distinctive reaction pathways and superior catalytic performances. In this context, a review paper is presented here to provide a timely overview of the current development of photo-driven CO2 cycloaddition and related catalysts, elaborate the role of light (mainly photothermal effect and photocatalytic effect), and highlight the challenges and future research directions so that more insightful research can be motivated in the future to promote the development of solar energy catalysis in CCU as well as green and economic cyclic carbonate production.