CO₂ Hydrogenation to Hydrocarbons over Fe-Based Catalysts: Status and Recent Developments

To control anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, it is necessary not only to align the chemical industry and energy sector with renewable resources but also to implement large-scale utilization of CO2 as a feedstock. The Fe-catalyzed CO2-modified Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (CO2-FTS) is one of the most promising options for efficient CO2 utilization, as it can be used to synthesize desired higher hydrocarbons (C2+), including lower olefins (C-2(=)-C-4(=)), the main building blocks of the chemical industry, and long-chain hydrocarbons (C5+), which can be used as fuels. To optimize catalyst and process design for the purpose of developing an economically viable industrial process, the reaction mechanism and the factors controlling product selectivity need to be fully understood. This article discusses the current state-of-the-art in catalyst design and approaches for making effective progress in addressing these challenges.