Abstract
The increase in anthropogenic CO2 concentrations and associated environmental issues
have demanded the development of technologies for CO2 utilization. Among various potential
solutions to decrease CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, the recycling of post-combustion
CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels is considered one of the most economically attractive
processes. In this regard, due to its large global demand and versatile applications in the chemical
and energy sectors, methanol serves as the most appealing target for the chemical utilization of CO2.
However, direct hydrogenation of CO2 to MeOH has proved challenging due to selectivity issues
and high energy input, mainly dependent on CO2-emitting fossil energy sources. To address these
challenges, an alternative indirect CO2-to-MeOH methodology has been proposed, which involves
the hydrogenation of CO2 via the intermediate formation of well-known CO2 derivatives, such as
formates, carbonates, formamides, carbamates, and urea derivatives. Homogeneous transition metal
catalysts have been at the center of this research avenue, potentially allowing for more selective and
low-temperature alternative routes from CO2 to MeOH. This review aims to highlight the advances
and challenges in homogeneous transition metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of major CO2 derivatives
to MeOH. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms of such transformations.
have demanded the development of technologies for CO2 utilization. Among various potential
solutions to decrease CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, the recycling of post-combustion
CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels is considered one of the most economically attractive
processes. In this regard, due to its large global demand and versatile applications in the chemical
and energy sectors, methanol serves as the most appealing target for the chemical utilization of CO2.
However, direct hydrogenation of CO2 to MeOH has proved challenging due to selectivity issues
and high energy input, mainly dependent on CO2-emitting fossil energy sources. To address these
challenges, an alternative indirect CO2-to-MeOH methodology has been proposed, which involves
the hydrogenation of CO2 via the intermediate formation of well-known CO2 derivatives, such as
formates, carbonates, formamides, carbamates, and urea derivatives. Homogeneous transition metal
catalysts have been at the center of this research avenue, potentially allowing for more selective and
low-temperature alternative routes from CO2 to MeOH. This review aims to highlight the advances
and challenges in homogeneous transition metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of major CO2 derivatives
to MeOH. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms of such transformations.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 302 |
Number of pages | 33 |
Journal | Inorganics |
Volume | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 15 2023 |
Keywords
- Homogeneous catalysis
- Carbon dioxide
- Hydrogenation
- Formate
- Carbonate
- Formamide
- Carbamate
- Urea