“Catalyst engineering strategies for the direct hydrogenation of CO₂ into aromatics: A state-of-the-art review”

With advancements in the utilization of renewable energy for H₂ generation and CO₂ capture, the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ into valuable aromatics offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and critical avenue to reducing CO₂ emissions. Aromatic hydrocarbons are important because of their widespread use in producing polymers, gasoline additives, and pharmaceutical goods. The direct transformation of CO₂ into aromatics is fascinating but challenging due to C–O bond activation and C–C coupling to produce aromatics. Recently, many studies have focused on synthesizing substantially effective catalysts and understanding the in-depth reaction mechanisms of CO₂ hydrogenation. In this review, we analyzed recent progress in the catalyst design, proximity effects of active components, topology and morphology of zeolites, thermodynamics, and kinetics to provide insights for direct CO₂ aromatization. To comprehend the mechanism of the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction, two reaction routes, the Methanol-mediated (MeOH) pathway and Modified Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (CO₂-FTS) are reviewed to understand the hydrogenation of CO₂ reaction mechanism. Moreover, we conferred the challenges in commercialization and techno-feasibility analysis in developing advanced catalysts. Finally, conclusions and prospects are proposed for direct CO₂ hydrogenation to aromatics with zero carbon footprint.