Research Progress of Co-Conversion of CO2 and C1–C4 Alkanes (A Review)

The energy crisis and environmental climate are two major global challenges. The conversion of greenhouse gases (CO2) and light alkanes (C1–C4) into high-value-added products is expected to address both carbon emission and alkane utilization issues. In order to realize a light carbon economy and alleviate environmental problems, research and exploration on the utilization of carbon resources have become mainstream directions in recent years. Although a significant deal of work has been reported on the catalytic co-conversion of CO2 and C1–C4 alkanes, detailed discussions and reviews are lacking. In this paper, dry reforming of methane (DRM) and the oxidative dehydrogenation or aromatization of C2–C4 alkanes in recent years are reviewed representatively. Furthermore, the influence of photothermal catalysis on the co-conversion of CO2 and C1–C4 alkanes is discussed in detail. The existing challenges and future prospects of these reactions are also presented.