Rational Design and Modulation of In2O3-Based Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol.

To achieve the global carbon neutrality target by approximately 2050, the development and deployment of carbon-negative technologies based on green chemical principles have become an urgent strategic priority. Among various CO2 valorization routes, catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol (CH3OH, CHM) has attracted intensive interest, in which indium oxide (In2O3) stands out as a highly promising candidate due to its unique properties in stabilizing key reaction intermediates for CH3OH synthesis. However, the practical implementation of pristine In2O3 is severely hindered by insufficient catalytic activity. To address the bottlenecks, a variety of multidimensional modification strategies have been rationally designed and extensively explored to tune the characteristics of In2O3-based catalysts, which include modulating properties of In2O3, tailoring properties of metal promoters and regulating metal-In2O3 interactions. In this review, we commence with a systematic discussion of the reaction mechanisms governing CHM over In2O3-based catalysts, then provide an in-depth summary and critical evaluation of the modification strategies for the rational design of In2O3-based catalysts, and finally highlight the most challenging issues and possible solutions in this rapidly evolving field to guide the rational design of the next-generation of efficient In2O3-based catalytic systems for sustainable CHM and the advancement of the circular carbon economy.