A review on the low temperature water-gas-shift reaction: reaction mechanism, catalyst design, and novel process development

Abstract

The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction plays a pivotal role in various industrial processes, particularly in hydrogen production and carbon monoxide removal. As global energy demands rise and environmental concerns intensify, the development of efficient and sustainable catalysts for the low-temperature WGS (LT-WGS) reaction has gained significant attention. This review focuses on recent advancements in water-gas-shift catalyst design for low-temperature conditions and emerging renewable energy-driven catalytic processes, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and plasma catalysis for the WGS reaction, which are less commonly explored in existing reviews. We systematically analyze mechanisms studies of LT-WGS, rational catalyst design strategies, and recent frontier advances in the development of highly efficient catalysts. Furthermore, this review provides actionable insights for refining catalyst architectures, enhancing operational efficiency, elucidating reaction pathways, and pioneering hybrid technologies, all contributing to further advancements in this field.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

water gas shift / hydrogen production / supported catalysts / reaction mechanism / innovative reaction processes

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press