Comprehensive Insight into Indium Oxide‐Based Catalysts for CO₂ Hydrogenation: Thermal, Photo, and Photothermal Catalysis

Abstract

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added chemicals presents an innovative pathway for advancing the low‐carbon clean energy revolution, contributing significantly to CO2 emission reduction and resource utilization. Recently, In2O3‐based catalysts have emerged as a promising frontier in CO2 hydrogenation research. This review provides a comprehensive introduction of the latest advancements in the application of In2O3‐based catalysts across thermal, photocatalytic, and photothermal catalysis platforms. The review examines critical aspects such as structural properties, active sites, reaction mechanisms, performance enhancement, product impact, and the development of multi‐functional catalytic systems. Thermal Catalysis for CO2 hydrogenation involves the application of elevated temperatures to initiate and drive the hydrogenation reactions. Photocatalysis, on the other hand, harnesses light energy to facilitate these reactions. Among these approaches, photothermal catalysis has emerged as a particularly promising method for CO2 hydrogenation, offering several advantages over both thermal catalysis and photocatalysis. These advantages include more efficient energy utilization, a broader range of reaction conditions, enhanced synergistic effects, selective activation, and improved environmental sustainability. This review not only summarizes the current state of research in this field but also may provide critical insights and guidance for future studies aimed at advancing artificial carbon cycling processes.