The applicability of heterogeneous catalysis is often marred by a requirement for large energy inputs to achieve optimal reaction temperatures. Removing the need for thermal input by utilising photocatalysts offers an alternate pathway towards achieving sufficient energy input, but it is severely limited by the current low efficiencies of solar energy conversion. Recent findings have suggested that utilising solar energy to supplement heterogeneous reaction systems can enhance performance, although integrating light within a thermal-catalytic system is not necessarily straightforward nor beneficial. Herein, we offer a perspective on the complexities of using light when promoting three systems of heterogeneous catalysis; (i) enhancing catalyst activity via a plasmonic effect, (ii) promoting reaction systems based on semiconducting catalyst materials, and (iii) activating intermediary species.

Graphic Abstract

Engaging light to boost the activity and/or selectivity of a heterogeneous catalytic reaction is not necessarily straightforward whereby a raft of complexities can be introduced. The complexities have the potential to negate any positive effects imposed by the light and, in some cases, can be to the detriment of catalyst performance.

中文翻译：

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捕获光以增强热催化的复杂性

多相催化的适用性通常受到需要大量能量输入以达到最佳反应温度的影响。通过使用光催化剂来消除对热输入的需求为实现足够的能量输入提供了另一条途径，但是它受到当前太阳能转换效率低的严重限制。最近的研究结果表明，利用太阳能来补充多相反应系统可以提高性能，尽管在热催化系统中集成光不一定是直接的也不是有益的。在此，我们提供了在促进三个多相催化系统时使用光的复杂性的观点；(i) 通过等离子体效应增强催化剂活性，

图形摘要

利用光来提高多相催化反应的活性和/或选择性并不一定是简单的，因此可能会引入大量复杂性。复杂性有可能抵消光强加的任何积极影响，在某些情况下，可能会损害催化剂的性能。