Catalysts design for higher alcohols synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation: Trends and future perspectives

Global warming due to the accumulation of atmospheric CO2 has received great attention in recent years. Hence, it is urgent to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and develop sustainable technologies for a circular carbon economy. In this regard, CO2 capture coupled with the conversion into chemicals and fuels provides a promising solution to reduce CO2 emissions as well as to store and utilize renewable energy. Among the many possible CO2 conversion pathways, CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols is considered an important strategy for the synthesis of carbon-based fuels and feedstock and holds great promise for the chemical industry. Thus, this review provides an overview of advances in CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols that have been achieved recently in terms of catalyst design, catalytic performance, and insight into the reaction mechanism under different experimental conditions. First, the limitations provided by reaction thermodynamics and the indispensability of catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols are discussed. Then, four main categories of catalysts will be introduced and discussed (i.e. Rh-, Cu-, Mo-, and Co-based catalysts). Moreover, important factors significantly influencing the efficiency of the catalytic transformation such as alkali/alkaline earth metal promoters, transition metal promoters, catalyst supports, catalyst precursors, and reaction conditions, as well as the reaction mechanism are explained. Finally, the review discusses emerging methodologies yet to be explored and future directions to achieve a high efficiency for the hydrogenation of CO2 to higher alcohols.