Recent Zeolite Modifications in Bifunctional Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation to Aromatics: A Minireview^†

Abstract

Catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into aromatic hydrocarbons has emerged as a promising route for the high-value CO₂ utilization and sustainable aromatics production to alleviate fossil resource dependence under the carbon-neutrality goals. By integrating CO₂ activation/hydrogenation with the downstream C–C coupling and aromatization, bifunctional catalytic systems, typically comprising metal or metal oxide components coupled with acidic zeolites, enable the direct synthesis of valuable aromatics (e.g., benzene, toluene, and xylene) from CO₂. Recently, significant progress has been made in the rational design of such catalysts, particularly through the precise tailoring of the zeolite component for regulating the reaction pathways, product selectivity, and catalyst stability. This minireview summarizes recent advances in CO₂ hydrogenation to aromatics achieved by bifunctional catalysts, with a specific focus on the decisive role of the zeolite properties in governing the aromatization behaviors. Various zeolite modification strategies, such as acidity regulation, metal and non-metal functionalization, pore-structure engineering, and morphology control, are systematically discussed in relation to their effects on the intermediate transformation and aromatic selectivity. Finally, perspectives on future research are presented, emphasizing the importance of advanced characterization techniques and theoretical modeling for the rational design of more efficient, selective, and stable CO₂-to-aromatics catalysts and technologies.

Keywords

CO₂ hydrogenation to aromatics / Bifunctional catalyst / Zeolite modification / Structure-performance relationship / Heterogeneous catalysis

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