One Step\nMethanol-Mediated CO<sub>2</sub> Conversion\nto Gasoline: Comprehensive Review and Critical Outlook

Decreasing our demand for fossil feedstock is one of\nthe best ways\nto support the energy and environmental transitions that are needed\nfor our society. CO<sub>2</sub> utilization and, more specifically,\nCO<sub>2</sub> conversion to hydrocarbons are an attractive route\nto reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and to obtain carbon-neutral fuels\nand chemicals that are conventionally produced from fossil fuels.\nOne way to achieve that is through the conversion of CO<sub>2</sub> to methanol, followed by methanol conversion to hydrocarbons. So\nfar, these processes have mainly been studied as separate steps, and\none view is to sequentially operate them. However, it is possible\nto perform it in one step, in tandem catalysis. Such catalysts are\nusually an oxide for the first reaction combined with an acidic zeolite\nthat catalyzes the second reaction. Many catalysts have been researched\nfor the two separate steps but only a few have been studied for the\ntandem when the gasoline range is the target. Among the oxides, ZnZrOx\nand In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> dominate the art, while more metallic\nInCo also has its merits. These lead to interesting selectivities\nand yields when combined with a zeolite (usually ZSM-5). A clear understanding\nof the mechanism behind these systems has not been reached; yet, we\ndeliver a summary of the achieved mechanistic results and offer insights\nfor further studies. While parameters such as bed configuration or\namount proximity have been studied, more research is needed, especially\nwhen looking at the complex kinetics. This “direct CO<sub>2</sub> to gasoline range hydrocarbons” (including aromatics) review\naims to connect dots while highlighting the aspects that still need\na deeper understanding, and it also pinpoints practical insights and\nperspectives.