Heterogeneous Catalysis for CO₂ Conversion into Chemicals and Fuels

Abstract

Catalytic conversion of CO₂ into chemicals and fuels is a viable method to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Through thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photo(electro)catalysis, CO₂ can be converted into a wide range of valuable products, including CO, formic acid, methanol, methane, ethanol, acetic acid, propanol, light olefins, aromatics, and gasoline, as well as fine chemicals. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent progress in heterogeneous catalysis for CO₂ conversion into chemicals and fuels and highlight some representative studies of different conversion routes. The structure–performance correlations of typical catalytic materials used for the CO₂ conversion reactions have been revealed by combining advanced in situ/operando spectroscopy and microscopy characterizations and density functional theory calculations. Catalytic selectivity toward a single CO₂ reduction product/fraction should be further improved at an industrially relevant CO₂ conversion rate with considerable stability in the future.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

CO₂ conversion / CO₂ hydrogenation / CO₂ electroreduction / Chemicals / Fuels

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