Rational Design and Modulation of In ₂ O ₃ ‐Based Catalysts for Efficient CO ₂ 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 CO 2 valorization routes, catalytic CO 2 hydrogenation to methanol (CH 3 OH, CHM) has attracted intensive interest, in which indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ) stands out as a highly promising candidate due to its unique properties in stabilizing key reaction intermediates for CH 3 OH synthesis. However, the practical implementation of pristine In 2 O 3 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 In 2 O 3 ‐based catalysts, which include modulating properties of In 2 O 3 , tailoring properties of metal promoters and regulating metal–In 2 O 3 interactions. In this review, we commence with a systematic discussion of the reaction mechanisms governing CHM over In 2 O 3 ‐based catalysts, then provide an in‐depth summary and critical evaluation of the modification strategies for the rational design of In 2 O 3 ‐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 In 2 O 3 ‐based catalytic systems for sustainable CHM and the advancement of the circular carbon economy.