Huarui Han, Yangrui Xu, Yu Cheng, Liguang Tang, Jie Jin, Xinlin Liu, Changchang Ma, Ziyang Lu*

Cite this article: Chin. J. Struct. Chem., 2025, 44(10), 100728. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100728

Publication date: October 15, 2025

Keywords: FLPs; CO₂ reduction; Photocatalysis; Synergistic activation; Charge transfer mechanism

ABSTRACT

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is a promising route toward carbon neutrality, yet its practical application is hindered by the high activation energy barrier of CO2, rapid recombination of photo-generated electrons, and poor product selectivity of traditional catalysts. Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs), which feature spatially separated Lewis acid and base sites, have recently emerged as a novel strategy to overcome these limitations. This review systematically examines the progress in FLPs-based photocatalytic systems. We focus on the construction strategies for FLPs active sites, the optimization of charge carrier dynamics, and the synergistic electron transfer mechanisms with photoactive components. Central theme is the elucidation of microscopic mechanisms governing CO2 activation, key intermediate conversion, and the efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons. By synthesizing current knowledge and outlining future prospects, this review aims to provide a theoretical framework that guides the rational design of highly active and selective catalysts for solar-driven CO2 reduction.