Photocatalysis has traditionally relied on photocatalysts that primarily absorb short-wavelength ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light. However, recent advancements have led to the development of photocatalysts that can absorb deep-red to near-infrared light. These near-infrared photocatalysts (NIR-PCs) offer distinct advantages over traditional UV-vis photocatalysts, including deeper tissue penetration and reduced interference from competing absorption processes. Herein, we summarize the latest advancements in their molecular design based on three activation mechanisms: one-photon absorption, triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, and two-photon absorption. This review aims to present not only various organic transformations facilitated by NIR-PCs but also the diverse molecular engineering strategies that have been employed in the design and development of NIR-PCs, particularly focusing on those with exceptional absorption capabilities in the NIR region. Finally, a brief overview of the current challenges and opportunities for future explorations of NIR photocatalysis is presented, underscoring the growing significance of NIR-PCs in advancing the frontiers of photocatalysis.

光催化传统上依赖于主要吸收短波长紫外-可见光 (UV-vis) 的光催化剂。然而，最近的进展导致了可以吸收深红光到近红外光的光催化剂的开发。这些近红外光催化剂 (NIR-PC) 比传统的紫外-可见光催化剂具有明显的优势，包括更深的组织渗透和减少竞争吸收过程的干扰。在此，我们基于三种激活机制总结了其分子设计的最新进展：单光子吸收、三重态-三重态湮没上转换和双光子吸收。本综述不仅旨在介绍 NIR-PC 促进的各种有机转化，还介绍 NIR-PC 设计和开发中采用的多种分子工程策略，特别关注那些在 NIR 区域具有特殊吸收能力的策略。最后，简要概述了近红外光催化当前的挑战和未来探索的机遇，强调了近红外光催化在推进光催化前沿方面日益重要的意义。