Towards the development of the emerging process of CO2 heterogenous hydrogenation into high-value unsaturated heavy hydrocarbons

The emerging process of CO2 hydrogenation through heterogenous catalysis into important bulk chemicals provides an alternative strategy for sustainable and low-cost production of valuable chemicals, and brings an important chance for mitigating CO2 emissions. Direct synthesis of the family of unsaturated heavy hydrocarbons such as alpha-olefins and aromatics via CO2 hydrogenation is more attractive and challenging than the production of short-chain products to modern society, suffering from the difficult control between C-O activation and C-C coupling towards long-chain hydrocarbons. In the past several years, rapid progress has been achieved in the development of efficient catalysts for the process and understanding of their catalytic mechanisms. In this review, we provide a comprehensive, authoritative and critical overview of the substantial progress in the synthesis of alpha-olefins and aromatics from CO2 hydrogenation via direct and indirect routes. The rational fabrication and design of catalysts, proximity effects of multi-active sites, stability and deactivation of catalysts, reaction mechanisms and reactor design are systematically discussed. Finally, current challenges and potential applications in the development of advanced catalysts, as well as opportunities of next-generation CO2 hydrogenation techniques for carbon neutrality in future are proposed.

Automated summary

The innovative process of CO2 hydrogenation through heterogeneous catalysis to produce important bulk chemicals offers a sustainable and cost-effective method for reducing CO2 emissions. Direct synthesis of unsaturated heavy hydrocarbons like alpha-olefins and aromatics presents significant challenges and progress in catalyst development and understanding of catalytic mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in alpha-olefin and aromatic synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation, addressing catalyst fabrication, stability, reaction mechanisms, and future opportunities for carbon neutrality.