Solar thermal-driven thermochemical H2O and CO2 splitting offers a carbon-neutral path to produce feedstocks for synthetic fuel production such as hydrogen or synthesis gas. This paper assesses research outcomes for perovskite materials in two-step thermochemical cycles. Experimental, computational and thermodynamic studies are summarized and critically discussed, identifying key attributes for future research. In addition to the critical review, a fast method for the classification of effective thermochemical properties (oxygen vacancy formation enthalpy and entropy) in a wide range of operational temperatures is provided. These properties together with a high-grade of sintering resistance and fast kinetics are the main characteristics required to maximize the solar-to-fuel efficiency of the process. The discovery of optimum material compositions for this application could be effectively achieved by a combination of machine learning, DFT, experimental testing and system modelling, and will require an extensive international research effort. If successful, this could lead to the ultimate development and practical application of thermochemical cycles for fuel production. Crown Copyright (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. All rights reserved.