Thermochemical CO2 Hydrogenation to Single Carbon Products: Scientific and Technological Challenges

Catalytic conversion of CO2 to chemicals and fuels is a two birds, one stone approach toward solving the climate change problem and energy demand supply deficit in the modern world. Recent advances in mechanistic insights and design of suitable catalysts for direct thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to C1 products are thoroughly discussed in this Review. The role of catalyst composition and process conditions in determining the selective pathways to various products like carbon monoxide, methanol, methane, and dimethyl ether has been overviewed in light of thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. After extensive elaboration of the main motivation of the reaction pathways, catalytic roles, and reaction thermodynamics, we summarize the most important macroscopic aspects of CO2, hydrogenation technology development, which include reactor innovations, industrial status of the technology, life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis. Finally, a critical perspective on the future challenges and opportunities in both the core fronts and overall technology development is provided.