Non-thermal plasma catalysis for CO2 conversion and catalyst design for the process

Catalytic conversion of CO2 to renewable chemicals and fuels is a promising approach to mitigate issues associated with climate change and energy supply deficiency. Hybrid non-thermal plasma (NTP) and catalysis systems, that is, NTP catalysis systems, enable the activation of stable CO2 molecules under relatively mild conditions in comparison with conventional thermal catalysis, and are promising for the energy-efficient conversion of CO2. This review presents the state-of-the-art development of NTP catalysis of CO2 conversion, including CO2 splitting and CO2 hydrogenation and reforming, with the focus on mechanistic insights developed forcatalytic CO2 conversion. Additionally, the role of intrinsic catalyst composition and structure in determining the selectivity of CO2 conversion under NTP conditions is also discussed in light of the need for rational design of catalysts for NTP catalysis. Finally, a perspective on future challenges and opportunities in the development of next-generation catalysts for NTP catalysis and the advanced hybrid NTP catalysis process for practical industrial applications are discussed.