Is the Transformation of CO2 to Hydrocarbons via Non-Methanol-Mediated CO2 Hydrogenation Over a Cobalt Catalyst an Effective Method of Carbon Conversion?

Abstract

This research examines how carbon IV oxide hydrogenation can counter climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere while generating valuable products such as hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and other chemicals. Limited to non-methanol-mediated hydrogenation through cobalt-based catalysts, this paper scrutinizes the effectiveness of CO2 conversion, the range of products produced, and other consequences when scaling up this process. Catalysts are vital in defining the efficacy of the process of CO2 hydrogenation with cobalt-based catalysts exhibiting high selectivity on long-chain hydrocarbons suitable for fuel purposes. The paper also discusses the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis and the Reverse Water-Gas Shift reaction for CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons. However, some drawbacks are still associated with enhancing reaction conditions to reach higher efficiency of the process, for example, reducing the yield of undesired side products like methane. The review also considers one of the most critical barriers to widespread hydrogen use, namely, how to generate hydrogen efficiently and, most importantly, cleanly, and calls for solar and wind energy to create carbon-neutral hydrogenation. In addition, future improvements to the catalyst, particularly bimetallic and single-atom catalysts, are discussed as ways to increase the rate of conversion and the overall stability of the catalyst. As novel reactor designs, membrane reactors, and microreactor systems are introduced as opportunities for increasing reactor efficiency and selectivity. The review ends by pointing to the economic and sustainability issues of scale-up of the CO2 hydrogenation technologies, paying particular attention to the further research activities needed in the field of catalyst lifetime, process efficiency, and interaction with other CO2 capture systems for making this approach to be a valuable addition to the overall global carbon management strategy. This work also highlights the role of CO2 hydrogenation as a two-fold solution to climate change and as a solution to the current energy crisis due to the production of various valuable fuels and chemicals. The research results show that CO₂ hydrogenation with a cobalt catalyst is a promising carbon conversion method, but its effectiveness depends on the development of more efficient catalysts and integration with sustainable hydrogen sources.