A Critical Look at Direct Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Olefins. Issue 17 (7th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ronda‐Lloret, Maria; Rothenberg, Gadi; Shiju, N. Raveendran
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 12:Issue 17(2019)
• Page Start: 3896
• Page End: 3914
• Publication Date: 2019-08-07
• Subjects: heterogeneous catalysis -- hydrogenation -- olefins -- renewable resources -- synthesis design; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201900915
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: One of the main initiatives for fighting climate change is to use carbon dioxide as a resource instead of waste. In this respect, thermocatalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation to high‐added‐value chemicals is a promising process. Among the products of this reaction (alcohols, alkanes, olefins, or aromatics), light olefins are interesting because they are building blocks for making polymers, as well as other important chemicals. Olefins are mainly produced from fossil fuel sources, but the increasing demand of plastics boosts the need to develop more sustainable synthetic routes. This review gives a critical overview of the most recent achievements in direct carbon dioxide hydrogenation to light olefins, which can take place through two competitive routes: the modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and methanol‐mediated synthesis. Both routes are compared in terms of catalyst development, reaction performance, and reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, practical aspects of the commercialization of this reaction, such as renewable hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture, compression, and transport, are discussed. It is concluded that, to date, the catalysts used in the carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction give a wide product distribution, which reduces the specific selectivity to lower olefins. More efforts are needed to reach better control of the C/H surface ratio and interactions within the functionalities of the catalyst, as well as understanding the reaction mechanism and avoiding deactivation. Renewable H2 production and carbon dioxide capture and transport technologies are being developed, although they are currently still too expensive for industrial application. Abstract : Catch and convert : An overview of the most recent results on direct CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins is provided. This direct conversion can be achieved through two main routes: modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and methanol‐mediated synthesis. The routes are compared in terms of catalyst development, reaction performance, and reaction mechanisms.