Recent advancements in carbon/metal-based nano-catalysts for the reduction of CO to value-added products.

Due to the increased human activities in burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, the CO level in the atmosphere gets increased up to 415 ppm; although it is an essential component for plant growth, an increased level of CO in the atmosphere leads to global warming and catastrophic climate change. Various conventional methods are used to capture and utilize CO, among that a feasible and eco-friendly technique for creating value-added products is the CORR. Photochemical, electrochemical, thermochemical, and biochemical approaches can be used to decrease the level of CO in the atmosphere. The introduction of nano-catalysts in the reduction process helps in the efficient conversion of CO with improved selectivity, increased efficiency, and also enhanced stability of the catalyst materials. Thus, in this mini-review of nano-catalysts, some of the products formed during the reduction process, like CHOH, CHOH, CO, HCOOH, and CH, are explained. Among different types of metal catalysts, carbonaceous, single-atom catalysts, and MOF based catalysts play a significant role in the CO RR process. The effects of the catalyst material on the surface area, composition, and structural alterations are covered in depth. To aid in the design and development of high-performance nano-catalysts for value-added products, the current state, difficulties, and future prospects are provided.