Chinese researchers develop catalysts to convert CO2 and H2 into chemicals and hydrocarbons

In China, high-efficiency utilization of CO2 facilitates the reduction of CO2 concentration in the global atmosphere and hence the alleviation of the greenhouse effect. The chemical utilization of CO2, which refers to converting CO2 into value-added chemicals and liquid fuels, has a distinct and direct CO2 emission reduction effect, and can alleviate the energy crisis effectively. Using renewable H2 from H2O electrolysis, the direct conversion of CO2 into bulk chemicals and liquid fuels via heterogeneous catalysis may not only solve the problem of hydrogen storage and transportation, but also reduce excessive dependence on fossil resources.

Recently, a team led by researchers from Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI), Chinese Academy of Sciences reported recent efforts by their group aimed at developing high-performance heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of CO2 and H2 in producing bulk chemicals (methanol, lower olefins, aromatics) and specific-range hydrocarbons (gasoline and jet fuel) with potential industrial applications.