Chapter 3 - Transition metal-based catalysts for CO2 methanation and hydrogenation

Abstract

In this chapter, catalytic CO2 hydrogenation and more specifically CO2 methanation were discussed. CO2 hydrogenation reactions are thermodynamically favorable and the beneficial aspects like high activity, superior selectivity, and medium reaction temperatures make them promising routes toward CO2 reduction and production of renewable products such as methanol or methane. However, novel catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation still need to be developed to reach high activity at low temperature, high selectivity in desired products, and resistance to sintering and coke formation. Among the catalysts, the transition metal-based ones (Ni, Co, etc.) as non-rare metals have been reported as promising catalysts. Furthermore, these phases have to be dispersed on novel supports and promoted with a variety of elements for reaching the desired properties (selectivity, coke limitation, etc.). All these points are addressed in this chapter, with a focus on thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, on the supports development, on the mechanisms, and the challenges for the next generation of catalysts.