Comprehensive review of Cu-based CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH: Insights from experimental work and theoretical analysis

Developing the technology of CO2 hydrogenation into methanol can not only alleviate environmental problems such as greenhouse effect, but also effectively promote the utilization of CO2 resources. In general, Cu-based catalysts have been extensively studied due to its low cost and the effective synthesis of methanol. Thus, this review is to be reported based on Cu-based catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation. The specific goal of this review is to provide some insights into the structural and surface properties of Cu-based catalysts and their functions on the reaction mechanisms, and further affecting on the catalytic selectivity, stability, and activity for the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. A vital issue discussed is the fundamental understanding of active sites, reaction mechanisms, and interactions (active metal-support, active metal-promoter, bimetal) in determining the catalytic performance. Through a comprehensive overview on Cu-based systems for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol from both experimental and theoretical perspectives, it could provide some useful information to go into CO2 hydrogenation to methanol for the outsider, and promote the design and synthesis of novel and efficient catalysts.