Rational design of bifunctional catalysts with proper integration manners for CO and CO2 hydrogenation into value-added products: A review

Bifunctional catalysts with metal/metal oxide and zeolites have been receiving widespread attention among researchers due to their ability to directly convert CO2 or CO into value-added fuels or chemicals with two or more carbons (C2+, such as dimethyl ether, aromatics, gasoline, and light olefins). The integration manner and interaction distance between the two components play a huge role in maximizing productivity. Based on literatures, a generalized rational design was defined. The metal/metal oxide component can be categorized into migrating species and non-migrating species, which can be either beneficial or detrimental to the desired products. The rational design can be used as a roadmap for bifunctional catalyst selections, as well as a guide to solve existing problems and the potential development of trifunctional catalysts in the future. Nevertheless, recent research has demonstrated the importance of the rational design of integration manners of bifunctional catalysts for CO and CO2 hydrogenation in producing these value-added products via sustainable and renewable methods while reducing global warming.