Catalysts for the Conversion of CO(2) to Low Molecular Weight Olefins—A Review

There is a large worldwide demand for light olefins (C(2)(=)–C(4)(=)), which are needed for the production of high value-added chemicals and plastics. Light olefins can be produced by petroleum processing, direct/indirect conversion of synthesis gas (CO + H(2)) and hydrogenation of CO(2). Among these methods, catalytic hydrogenation of CO(2) is the most recently studied because it could contribute to alleviating CO(2) emissions into the atmosphere. However, due to thermodynamic reasons, the design of catalysts for the selective production of light olefins from CO(2) presents different challenges. In this regard, the recent progress in the synthesis of nanomaterials with well-controlled morphologies and active phase dispersion has opened new perspectives for the production of light olefins. In this review, recent advances in catalyst design are presented, with emphasis on catalysts operating through the modified Fischer–Tropsch pathway. The advantages and disadvantages of olefin production from CO(2) via CO or methanol-mediated reaction routes were analyzed, as well as the prospects for the design of a single catalyst for direct olefin production. Conclusions were drawn on the prospect of a new catalyst design for the production of light olefins from CO(2).