Catalysis: Key Technology for the Conversion of CO2 into Fuels and Chemicals

The sustainability of the chemical industry requires replacing oil and natural gas with alternative raw materials and reducing CO2 emissions from processes and utilities. In the particular case of petrochemicals, decarbonization is not easy, since carbon is an integral part of the products. Fossil carbon can be replaced with recycled carbon and renewable carbon, but it is the use of CO2 as a raw material that will finally make it possible to close the carbon cycle in the chemical industry. The options available are discussed herein, highlighting recent breakthroughs in catalysis and identifying areas where further research is needed.