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

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 reviewed the recent progress in mechanistic studies of CO2 hydrogenation to C1 (CO, CH3OH and CH4) compounds on metal/oxide catalysts. On the basis, we were able to provide 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 finally identified the key descriptors to control the activity and in particular the selectivity of catalysts. Finally, we also discussed challenges and future research opportunities for tuning the selective conversion of CO2 on metal/oxide catalysts.