Advances in Solar-Driven CO2 Conversion to Methanol by Bio-Inspired Multienzyme Cascade Systems: A Mini Review

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere, surpassing critical safety thresholds, alongside rising global energy demands driven by population growth, underscores the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.This review explores various techniques-thermal, photochemical, electrochemical, and enzymatic-aimed at converting CO 2 into valuable hydrocarbons and other products.Enzymatic approaches, utilizing proteins and microorganism-based enzymes for CO 2 reduction via redox reactions, are highlighted for their environmental friendliness, reduced toxicity, and efficiency in transforming CO 2 into hydrocarbon fuels.Strategies integrating enzymatic systems with polymers, transition metals, and semiconductors to enhance CO 2 reduction applications are discussed, emphasizing the critical role of enzyme immobilization.Additionally, the review explores the integration of enzyme systems with photo catalysts in semi-artificial photosynthesis systems resembling natural photosystem.Solar fuel generation through photocatalytic CO 2 conversion emerges as a promising approach, harnessing sunlight to efficiently produce methanol (MeOH), ethanol, and formic acid.While metalbased photocatalysts encounter challenges such as poor dispersion and toxicity, bio-inspired alternatives utilizing redox enzymes offer sustainable solutions.The review concludes by addressing emerging challenges and innovative approaches in enzymatic CO 2 reduction, with a focus on optimizing methanol production through multienzyme systems and membrane-based strategies to advance sustainable energy technologies.