Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Photoreduction Using Ruthenium (II) Complexes: Mechanisms, Hybrid Systems and Recent Advances

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into energy-dense fuels using visible light provides a sustainable approach for solar-to-chemical energy transformation. Among the diverse metal molecular systems developed, ruthenium (II) (Ru(II)) complexes have emerged as promising catalysts due to their superior redox properties, strong visible light absorption, and customizable ligand structures. This review explores recent advances in Ru(II)-catalyzed CO2 photoreduction, with particular attention given to catalyst design strategies, mechanistic pathways, and system integration methodologies. Key configurations, including photosensitizer/catalyst (PS/Cat) mixed systems, covalently bonded dyads, and hybrid/supramolecular frameworks, are evaluated in terms of efficiency, turnover numbers (TON), and selectivity. A critical analysis of challenges such as competing H2 generation, inefficient charge transfer, and limited long-term stability is presented. Emerging trends toward the use of pincer ligands, transition metal integration, and self-photosensitizing frameworks are discussed as potential approaches for improving efficiency. Overall, this review offers insights into the structural and mechanistic features driving CO2 photoreduction and provides perspectives for the rational design of next-generation Ru-based photocatalytic systems for efficient solar CO2 conversion and the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into energy-dense fuels using visible light.