Recent advances in synergistic catalytic valorization of CO2 and hydrocarbons by heterogeneous catalysis

Abstract

The escalating frequency of extreme weather events globally has necessitated immediate action to mitigate the impacts and threats posed by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). Consequently, reducing CO₂ emissions has become imperative, with decarbonization techniques being extensively investigated worldwide to achieve net-zero emissions. From an energy perspective, CO₂ represents an abundant and low-cost carbon resource that can be converted into high-value chemical products through reactions with hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and polyolefins. Through hydrogen transfer, CO₂ can be reduced to CO, accompanied by the formation of H₂O. CO₂ and hydrocarbons can also be transformed into syngas (CO and H₂) via dry reforming. Furthermore, CO₂ can be incorporated into hydrocarbon molecules, resulting in carbon chain growth, such as the production of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and aromatics. However, due to the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO₂, as well as the high bond energy and low polarity of hydrocarbon C–H bonds, the conversion of CO₂ and hydrocarbons remains a highly challenging and demanding strategic objective. This review focuses on the synergistic catalytic valorization of CO₂ and hydrocarbons using heterogeneous catalysts, summarizing recent advancements in coupling CO₂ with various hydrocarbons. It also examines relevant kinetic models, including Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. For catalyst design, bifunctional catalysts with distinct active sites can independently activate these two reactive molecules, and the modulation of acid-base properties, oxygen vacancies, and interfacial interactions represents an effective strategy to optimize catalytic performance. Finally, future directions for advancing CO₂-hydrocarbon co-utilization technologies are proposed, along with recommendations for low-carbon development strategies.