Catalytic thermal conversion of CO2 into fuels: Perspective and challenges

Consequent to the climate change and associated environmental and economic difficulties, CO2 sequestration is necessary for global sustainability. However, cost and technology challenges have recently prompted carbon dioxide to fuels as the best approach for handling CO2 emissions globally. In this perspective, we have carefully reviewed and analyzed an updated literature on the various thermal paths for CO2 valorization that are specifically critical for the production of CH4 (i.e. via methanation), CH3OH and gasoline-range hydrocarbons (i.e. via hydrogenation). The paper discussed a trend in terms of catalyst development, reaction catalysis and carefully identified areas requiring additional investigations. Reaction parameters contributing to catalysts deactivation, activity-promotion, stability of active sites and associated mechanisms were also simultaneously discussed.