Glycol assisted efficient conversion of CO2 captured from air to methanol with a heterogeneous Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst

•First example of integrated CO2 capture and conversion to methanol using a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst is demonstrated.•An efficient and recyclable alcohol assisted system was developed for CO2 hydrogenation with methanol yields up to 90%.•A 120% increase in methanol yield was achieved using ethylene glycol as the solvent.•A renewable methanol synthesis is reported using the combination of heterogeneous catalysis and air as the carbon source.