Advanced catalytic strategies for CO2 to methanol conversion: noble metal-based heterogeneous and electrochemical approaches

Abstract

The next generation is threatened by climate change, the significant impacts of global warming, and an energy crisis. Atmospheric CO₂ levels have surpassed the critical 400 ppm threshold due to significant reliance on fossil fuels to satisfy the increasing energy demands of our fast-progressing society. An overabundance of manufactured carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions severely disrupts the ecology. The synthesis of methanol by the selective hydrogenation of CO₂ is a viable approach for generating clean energy and sustainably safeguarding our biosphere. Methanol is a versatile molecule with several uses in the chemical industry as an alternative to fossil fuels. The methanol economy is recognized as a pivotal development in the pursuit of a net zero-emission fuel, representing a crucial stride toward a more sustainable planet. The developing green methanol industry, or renewable methanol initiative, primarily relies on CO₂ adsorption and usage. This novel technique is essential for mitigating global warming. This review focuses on the synthesis of methanol utilizing noble metal-based catalysts and electrochemical reduction methods, examining the associated thermodynamic challenges and outlining future directions for research. It emphasizes the role of noble metals, including palladium, gold, silver, and rhodium, in enhancing catalytic activity and selectivity during the CO₂ to methanol conversion process. The incorporation of these sophisticated catalytic processes improves methanol production efficiency and facilitates novel methods for carbon capture and usage, therefore advancing a more sustainable energy framework.