Trends and advances in the development of dual-function materials to integrate carbon capture and conversion by RWGS reaction

Dual-function materials (DFMs) offer a transformative strategy for integrated carbon capture and conversion (ICCC), providing an innovative pathway to mitigate CO 2 emissions while generating valuable chemical intermediates such as carbon monoxide through the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. This critical review delves into recent advancements in DFM design, emphasizing the role of tailored sorbents and catalytic active metals, including Ni, Fe, and Cu, alongside emerging bimetallic systems and active-metal-free configurations, with a focus on their application in the ICCC-RWGS process. Strategies such as metal doping, bimetallic alloy formation, and modified synthesis techniques are highlighted as critical approaches to enhance the physicochemical properties, stability, and overall performance of DFMs. The review also addresses the impact of realistic operational conditions, such as the presence of water vapor and oxygen, on CO 2 capture efficiency and catalytic activity, offering insights into the challenges posed by these factors and potential avenues for improvement. Then, the techno-economic performance of this process was discussed to assess its feasibility over conventional carbon capture and conversion approaches. Future directions for DFMs, stressing the importance of developing scalable, cost-effective materials and integrated system designs to meet the demands of industrial CO 2 utilization, are finally suggested. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical implementation, the present review intends underscoring the immense potential of DFMs as a sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions while advancing circular carbon technologies.