Challenges of Bio‐Syngas Conversion to High‐Value‐Added Liquid Chemicals and Fuels via CO x Hydrogenation

ABSTRACT Biomass, the most abundant renewable source of organic carbon, is crucial for carbon neutrality. Gasification converts biomass into H 2 /CO/CO 2 ‐rich bio‐syngas, a precursor for methanol, dimethyl ether, and hydrocarbons via CO x hydrogenation. Key challenges often include low H 2 /CO x ratios, high CO 2 content, and impurities (such as sulfur‐ and nitrogen‐containing compounds), which can impair catalyst stability and process efficiency. Addressing these issues requires both efficient gas conditioning and impurity‐tolerant catalysts capable of operating under CO 2 ‐rich, H 2 ‐lean feeds and residual contaminant exposure. Energy‐efficiency penalties are frequently driven by gas conditioning/cleanup requirements, the low energy density and moisture variability of biomass, and syngas composition mismatches. Improving carbon utilization—through higher carbon‐to‐liquids yields and effective CO 2 management—remains essential to maximize resource efficiency. Advances in catalyst design, process integration, and energy optimization can narrow current performance gaps, reduce environmental impacts, and accelerate scalable, sustainable biomass‐to‐chemicals pathways.