Advancements in CO2 conversion technologies: a comprehensive review on catalyst design strategies for high-performance CO2 methanation

Abstract

The increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) have raised significant environmental concerns, driving the development of innovative solutions to mitigate its impact. CO₂ methanation, a catalytic process that converts CO₂ into methane (CH₄), has emerged as a promising technology for carbon recycling and renewable energy storage. This review critically examines the advancements in catalyst design strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and stability of CO₂ methanation. The focus spans monometallic and multimetallic catalysts, elucidating their roles in optimizing catalytic performance. Additionally, the importance of support materials in stabilizing active sites and facilitating electron transfer is discussed in detail. Key mechanisms, such as the creation of oxygen vacancies, surface and interface engineering, and defect engineering, are highlighted for their contributions to improving reaction kinetics and resistance to deactivation. The interplay between these strategies and their impact on the catalytic properties is analyzed, providing insights into their underlying principles. The review further addresses current challenges, including scalability, energy efficiency, and environmental considerations, while exploring emerging trends such as the integration of renewable energy in methanation processes. By synthesizing recent developments and identifying future research directions, this study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and industry stakeholders seeking to advance the field of CO₂ conversion and contribute to global efforts toward carbon neutrality.