Tuning Selectivity of CO₂ Hydrogenation Reactions at the Metal/Oxide Interface

TLDR

CO₂ conversion reduces emissions and yields carbon fuels, with metal/oxide interfaces providing synergistic catalytic sites for activation. This review surveys recent mechanistic insights into CO₂ hydrogenation to C1 products on metal/oxide catalysts, focusing on interface structure, selectivity control, and key activity descriptors. The authors analyze reaction networks and interface design to identify descriptors that govern activity and selectivity, and outline challenges and future research opportunities.

Abstract

The chemical transformation of CO2 not only mitigates the anthropogenic CO2 emission into the Earth's atmosphere but also produces carbon compounds that can be used as precursors for the production of chemicals and fuels. The activation and conversion of CO2 can be achieved on multifunctional catalytic sites available at the metal/oxide interface by taking advantage of the synergy between the metal nanoparticles and oxide support. Herein, we look at the recent progress in mechanistic studies of CO2 hydrogenation to C1 (CO, CH3OH, and CH4) compounds on metal/oxide catalysts. On this basis, we are able to provide a better understanding of the complex reaction network, grasp the capability of manipulating structure and combination of metal and oxide at the interface in tuning selectivity, and identify the key descriptors to control the activity and, in particular, the selectivity of catalysts. Finally, we also discuss challenges and future research opportunities for tuning the selective conversion of CO2 on metal/oxide catalysts.