Recent advances in structural design and mechanistic studies of Pt-based catalysts toward the reverse water-gas shift reaction

Abstract As a crucial component of the carbon cycle, the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction enables the conversion of CO2 and H2 into CO, serving as a critical feedstock for the production of high-value-added chemicals and fuels. However, the practical application of this reaction is severely limited by three primary challenges: the poor CO2 conversion at the relatively low and moderate temperatures, the occurrence of undesirable side reactions, such as methanation, and the high energy consumption at elevated temperatures. Consequently, the development of catalytic systems with high activity and high CO selectivity, as well as excellent structure stability, is of great importance. Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts have emerged as highly promising candidates for the RWGS reaction owing to their excellent H2 dissociation capability, effective activation and hydrogenation capability of CO2, and moderate adsorption strength toward reaction intermediates. In this review, recent advances in Pt-based catalysts for the RWGS reaction are systematically summarized. The innovative structural design of Pt-based catalysts is discussed in detail, followed by an in-depth analysis of the structure–performance relationship and the potential RWGS reaction mechanism via advanced characterization techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, the remaining key scientific challenges and future development directions are highlighted, providing valuable insights for the rational design of highly efficient Pt-based catalysts for the RWGS reaction.