Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to fuels in microreactors

Abstract

Climate change, the greenhouse effect and fossil fuel extraction have gained a growing interest in research and industrial circles to provide alternative chemicals and fuel synthesis technologies. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) hydrogenation to value-added chemicals using hydrogen (H₂) from renewable power (solar, wind) offers a unique solution. From this aspect this review describes the various products, namely methane (C₁), methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether (DME) and hydrocarbons (HC_s) originating via CO₂ hydrogenation reaction. In addition, conventional reactor units for the CO₂ hydrogenation process are explained, as well as different types of microreactors with key pathways to determine catalyst activity and selectivity of the value-added chemicals. Finally, limitations between conventional units and microreactors and future directions for CO₂ hydrogenation are detailed and discussed. The benefits of such set-ups in providing platforms that could be utilized in the future for major scale-up and industrial operation are also emphasized.