Research Progress in the Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from CO2 and Methanol

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol is one attractive way for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and the utilization of carbon resources. Recent progress in the direct synthesis of DMC from CO2 and methanol is reviewed with the focus on the catalyst systems, including organic metal compounds catalyst, base catalyst, acetate catalyst, metal oxide and supported metal oxide catalysts, heteropolyacid catalyst and photocatalyst. Moreover, the application of supercritical system, ionic liquid system, electrochemical system, membrane reactor and nitriles hydration in the direct synthesis of DMC are also introduced. Finally, future research direction in this area is proposed.