Rational Design of Catalyst Supports for CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefins: Structural, Electronic, and Stabilization Strategies

Abstract

The rational design of catalyst supports represents a critical strategy for enhancing the hydrogenation of CO₂ into Light Olefins (C₂–C₄), significantly impacting key performance indicators such as activity, selectivity, and stability. This review comprehensively examines three foundational mechanisms through which support materials influence catalytic outcomes: (1) structural modulation: hierarchically porous architectures with high specific surface areas improve active-phase dispersion and facilitate mass transport, thereby optimizing reaction kinetics. (2) electronic engineering: metal–support interactions (MSIs) enhance CO₂ chemisorption, promoting C–C coupling kinetics and favoring selective olefin formation. (3) stabilization strategies: oxide matrices (e.g., ZrO₂, Al₂O₃) effectively suppress metal sintering, while carbonaceous supports minimize coking via ordered mesoporosity. Moreover, hydrophobic surfaces accelerate H₂O desorption, reducing aqueous-phase oxidation. Additionally, acid–based properties regulate reaction pathways: Lewis acid-dominated surfaces encourage chain growth, whereas moderate basicity facilitates CO₂ activation. These structure–activity relationships establish a robust foundation for designing advanced catalysts for CO₂-to-olefin conversion with atomic-level precision.