A review on the catalytic conversion of CO2 using H2 for synthesis of CO, methanol, and hydrocarbons

Abstract Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources has a fundamental role in creating a sustainable and carbon-free economy. The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 has great potential to reduce an enormous amount of CO2 and contribute to a green economy by converting CO2 into a variety of useful products. It is very important to develop new and highly efficient catalysts for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2. Recently, the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 has attracted an enormous amount of attention, which has been mainly focused on the development of efficient, selective, and stable catalysts. This review summarizes the current developments and improvements in the catalytic conversion of CO2 by H2 used toward the synthesis of CO, methanol, and hydrocarbons in terms of the catalyst performance, selectivity, and stability. The experimental procedures used for the three main pathways for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 (CO2 to CO via the reversible water gas shift reaction, CO2 to methanol synthesis, and CO2 to hydrocarbons via the Fischer–Tropsch reaction) using different catalysts are discussed. Furthermore, the industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation processes including their energy and economic analysis are also discussed.