Spin–Orbit Coupling‐Regulated Anti‐Kasha Rule for Photoswitchable Catalysis

Photoswitchable catalysis provides a non‐invasive strategy for dynamically controlling light‐driven chemical energy conversion processes. The defining advantage of photoswitchable catalytic systems lies in their unique dual capacity: i) spatiotemporal precision in resolving reactive species generation through optical addressing; and ii) adaptive multifunctionality enabling on‐demand switching between distinct active phases, thereby suppressing competing pathways and eliminating undesired side reactions. Current research paradigms remain predominantly anchored in molecular systems, whereas solid‐state semiconductor architectures—with their inherent advantages in recyclability and thermal stability—suffer from critical deficiencies in excitation‐selective reactivity modulation and interfacial charge transfer kinetics. Here we comment on a recent work, writing in National Science Review, reported spin–orbit coupling‐mediated control over anti‐Kasha photophysical pathways in semiconductors of carbonylated carbon nitride, enabling optically switchable catalytic dynamics. We further analyzed the profound implications of this work and presented a forward‐looking outlook on the future development of the photoswitchable catalysis.