Reticular-Chemistry-Inspired Supramolecule Design as a Tool to Achieve Efficient Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction into C1 products is one of the most trending research subjects of current times as sustainable energy generation is the utmost need of the hour. In this review, we have tried to comprehensively summarize the potential of supramolecule-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction into C1 compounds. At the outset, we have thrown light on the inert nature of gaseous CO2 and the various challenges researchers are facing in its reduction. The evolution of photocatalysts used for CO2 reduction, from heterogeneous catalysis to supramolecule-based molecular catalysis, and subsequent semiconductor-supramolecule hybrid catalysis has been thoroughly discussed. Since CO2 is thermodynamically a very stable molecule, a huge reduction potential is required to undergo its one- or multielectron reduction. For this reason, various supramolecule photocatalysts were designed involving a photosensitizer unit and a catalyst unit connected by a linker. Later on, solid semiconductor support was also introduced in this supramolecule system to achieve enhanced durability, structural compactness, enhanced charge mobility, and extra overpotential for CO2 reduction. Reticular chemistry is seen to play a pivotal role as it allows bringing all of the positive features together from various components of this hybrid semiconductor-supramolecule photocatalyst system. Thus, here in this review, we have discussed the selection and role of various components, viz. the photosensitizer component, the catalyst component, the linker, the semiconductor support, the anchoring ligands, and the peripheral ligands for the design of highly performing CO2 reduction photocatalysts. The selection and role of various sacrificial electron donors have also been highlighted. This review is aimed to help researchers reach an understanding that may translate into the development of excellent CO2 reduction photocatalysts that are operational under visible light and possess superior activity, efficiency, and selectivity.