Research progress in copper-based catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere poses a significant environmental challenge, with extensive negative effects on the Earth's environment and human survival. To tackle this issue, scientists are actively exploring various innovative technologies. One promising approach involves using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to produce low-cost green hydrogen, which can then hydrogenate CO2 into high-value-added methanol. This strategy not only helps reduce CO2 emissions but also supports carbon neutrality and sustainable development goals. The core of the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol technology lies in leveraging renewable energy to generate low-cost green hydrogen, which reacts with CO2 to produce methanol. This process is considered to be an efficient method of carbon recycling and utilization. Copper-based catalysts are particularly noteworthy for their excellent activity and selectivity in producing methanol. The research and application of these catalysts highlight their crucial role in addressing climate change and energy security challenges. Advancements in this technology provide essential scientific support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting carbon neutrality, and achieving sustainable development. They also lay a solid foundation for a clean, green energy future. Recent studies have shown that a deeper understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of these reactions enables scientists to optimize catalyst design, enhancing their stability, activity and selectivity. Firstly, this work reviews the recent progress in the research of copper-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. It analyzes the thermodynamics and reaction mechanism of the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol reaction, detailing the basic principles and revealing the key steps in the reaction pathway. These theoretical foundations provide important guidance for further experiments and engineering optimization. Secondly, the study focuses on the physicochemical properties of copper-based catalysts and their performance in practical applications. It explores the effects of additives, carriers, and preparation methods on the physical and chemical properties and catalytic performance of copper-based catalysts. By fine-tuning the structure and composition of the catalysts, the efficiency and selectivity for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol can be effectively improved. In terms of industrial applications, significant progress has been made not only on a laboratory scale but also in exploring the feasibility and challenges of scaling up CO2 hydrotreating to methanol technology to industrial levels. Researchers have been working on enhancing technological maturity and cost-effectiveness, as well as addressing engineering issues in industrial production to ensure the commercialization and feasibility of large-scale applications. Finally, the paper summarizes the current challenges faced by copper-based catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and looks ahead to future research directions. These challenges include catalyst lifetime, optimization of reaction conditions, and improvement of product selectivity. Future research will focus on developing more efficient and sustainable catalysts to address the pressures of global climate change and increasing energy demand. To summarize, copper-based catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol offer both scientific theoretical support and experimental validation, representing a crucial technological pathway for future energy transition. As technology advances and its applications expand, this approach is poised to become a key tool in the global effort to tackle climate change and enhance energy security, thereby contributing to the construction of a clean and green energy system. © 2024 Science Press. All rights reserved.