SMSI Effect for CO2 Hydrogenation: Interface Reconstruction and Charge Transfer in Catalyst Design

Given the pressing need for efficient CO2 valorization, the precise modulation of metal–support interfaces via strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) have emerged as a pivotal strategy for tuning catalytic activity in CO2 hydrogenation. However, despite the proliferation of relevant studies, a comprehensive and critical review that systematically evaluates the role of SMSI in this specific reaction remains absent. This work takes oxide-supported metal catalysts as the research object, focusing on the dynamic mechanism of SMSI-induced interface reconstruction and electron transfer. The relevant characterization progress and regulation strategies are systematically reviewed, and the synergistic regulation effect of the two on the reaction pathway is further explored. We analyze the impact of the above factors on the catalytic performance of CO2 hydrogenation from three aspects: SMSI coverage layer formation, electronic structure optimization, and key intermediate stabilization. At the same time, key descriptors currently used to describe SMSI interface reconstruction and electronic transmission processes are summarized. On this basis, the main challenges faced in existing research are identified, and future directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for breakthroughs in the key issues mentioned above in order to provide a more guiding theoretical basis for the structural design of efficient CO2 hydrogenation catalysts.