Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol

This short review provides an in-depth analysis of the achievements and further developments of the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to methanol from those that are worth learning about based on the transformation of syngas into methanol. We begin by exploring t...

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Main Authors: Zixu Yang, Derun Guo, Shengbin Dong, Jiayi Wu, Minghui Zhu, Yi-Fan Han, Zhong-Wen Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Catalysts
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/13/11/1452
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author Zixu Yang
Derun Guo
Shengbin Dong
Jiayi Wu
Minghui Zhu
Yi-Fan Han
Zhong-Wen Liu
author_facet Zixu Yang
Derun Guo
Shengbin Dong
Jiayi Wu
Minghui Zhu
Yi-Fan Han
Zhong-Wen Liu
author_sort Zixu Yang
collection DOAJ
description This short review provides an in-depth analysis of the achievements and further developments of the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to methanol from those that are worth learning about based on the transformation of syngas into methanol. We begin by exploring the environmental and energy-related implications of utilizing CO<sub>2</sub> as a feedstock for methanol production by emphasizing its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate renewable energy integration. Then, different catalytic formulations focusing on precious metals, copper-based catalysts, and metal oxides are summarized, and insights into their advantages and limitations in the aspects of catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability are discussed. Precious metal catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, exhibit high activity but are cost-prohibitive, while copper-based catalysts present a promising and cost-effective alternative. Metal oxides are considered for their unique properties in CO<sub>2</sub> activation. Mechanistic insights into reaction pathways are explored, with a particular emphasis on copper-based catalysts. Moreover, the complex steps involved in CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation to methanol are discussed to shed light on the key intermediates and active sites responsible for catalysis, which is crucial for catalyst design and optimization. Finally, we stress the importance of ongoing research and development efforts to enhance catalyst efficiency, mechanistic comprehension, and process optimization. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future. By harnessing CO<sub>2</sub> as a carbon feedstock for methanol synthesis, we have the potential to address environmental concerns and advance the utilization of renewable energy sources, further contributing to the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
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spelling doaj.art-0b939bef65b841458e4a937f5f87f81e2023-11-24T14:35:08ZengMDPI AGCatalysts2073-43442023-11-011311145210.3390/catal13111452Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to MethanolZixu Yang0Derun Guo1Shengbin Dong2Jiayi Wu3Minghui Zhu4Yi-Fan Han5Zhong-Wen Liu6State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, ChinaKey Laboratory of Syngas Conversion of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, ChinaThis short review provides an in-depth analysis of the achievements and further developments of the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to methanol from those that are worth learning about based on the transformation of syngas into methanol. We begin by exploring the environmental and energy-related implications of utilizing CO<sub>2</sub> as a feedstock for methanol production by emphasizing its potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate renewable energy integration. Then, different catalytic formulations focusing on precious metals, copper-based catalysts, and metal oxides are summarized, and insights into their advantages and limitations in the aspects of catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability are discussed. Precious metal catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, exhibit high activity but are cost-prohibitive, while copper-based catalysts present a promising and cost-effective alternative. Metal oxides are considered for their unique properties in CO<sub>2</sub> activation. Mechanistic insights into reaction pathways are explored, with a particular emphasis on copper-based catalysts. Moreover, the complex steps involved in CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation to methanol are discussed to shed light on the key intermediates and active sites responsible for catalysis, which is crucial for catalyst design and optimization. Finally, we stress the importance of ongoing research and development efforts to enhance catalyst efficiency, mechanistic comprehension, and process optimization. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future. By harnessing CO<sub>2</sub> as a carbon feedstock for methanol synthesis, we have the potential to address environmental concerns and advance the utilization of renewable energy sources, further contributing to the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/13/11/1452CO<sub>2</sub>/CO hydrogenationmethanol synthesismetal nanoparticlesmetal–support interactionreaction mechanism
spellingShingle Zixu Yang
Derun Guo
Shengbin Dong
Jiayi Wu
Minghui Zhu
Yi-Fan Han
Zhong-Wen Liu
Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
Catalysts
CO<sub>2</sub>/CO hydrogenation
methanol synthesis
metal nanoparticles
metal–support interaction
reaction mechanism
title Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
title_full Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
title_fullStr Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
title_full_unstemmed Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
title_short Catalysis for CO<sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation—What We Have Learned/Should Learn from the Hydrogenation of Syngas to Methanol
title_sort catalysis for co sub 2 sub hydrogenation what we have learned should learn from the hydrogenation of syngas to methanol
topic CO<sub>2</sub>/CO hydrogenation
methanol synthesis
metal nanoparticles
metal–support interaction
reaction mechanism
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/13/11/1452
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