Direct and Oriented Conversion of CO2 into Value-Added Aromatics

The oriented conversion of CO2 into target high-value chemicals is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, but still presents a challenge. In this communication, we report the oriented conversion of CO2 into value-added aromatics, especially para-xylene, in a single pass by combining core-shell structured Zn-doped H-ZSM-5 (Zn-ZSM-5@SiO2) and a Cr2O3 component. Through precise regulation of the acidity of Zn-ZSM-5@SiO2, high para-xylene selectivity (38.7% in the total products) at a CO2 conversion of 22.1% was achieved. Furthermore, a CO2-assisted effect in the synthesis of aromatics during the tandem process has been clarified through a control experiment. The CO2 reactant can act as a hydrogen acceptor to accelerate the dehydrogenation of alkenes, intermediates in the synthesis of aromatics, thereby increasing the driving force towards aromatics in the tandem reaction process.