CO₂ heterogeneous hydrogenation to carbon-based fuels: recent key developments and perspectives

The emission of a large amount of anthropogenic carbon dioxide has led to a series of detrimental effects, such as the destruction of the ecological environment. In this case, the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to carbon-neutral fuels is a promising path for carbon recycling and turning waste into wealth. Controlling the type, micro-structure, and composition of catalysts can lead to the direct synthesis of carbon dioxide to fuel-based products, namely, methane, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, jet, diesel, and alcohols. However, the inert nature of carbon dioxide and imprecise regulation of carbon chain coupling hinder the oriented synthesis of target products. Consequently, the rational design and fabrication of highly efficient and selective catalysts, including promoter-modified metal catalysts and composite catalysts, are inevitable processes to upgrade the end products of CO₂ utilization. In this review, we focus on the recent developments in the highly selective formation of fuel-based products, especially the utilization of tailor-made metal catalysts and multi-functional catalysts, which indicate the great potential derived from the synergistic effect of multi-active sites (acid-metal and metal-metal (oxide)). Finally, perspectives in the development of next-generation advanced catalysts for carbon neutrality in the future are proposed.