Recent advances in the direct conversion of syngas to oxygenates

Abstract

Direct synthesis of oxygenates from syngas is a promising way to utilize non-petroleum carbon resources because the oxygenate products serve as precursors for the downstream production of fuels and value-added chemicals. However, the selective synthesis of oxygenates from syngas remains highly challenging due to the simultaneous requirement of C–O bond splitting and C–C coupling. In this mini-review, we focus on the recent advances in the development of catalysts for the direct conversion of syngas to oxygenate products. It also emphasizes the progress achieved in enhancing the catalysts' selectivity towards oxygenates by adding promoters and supports. Furthermore, the review deals with various factors that influence the elementary steps involved in the formation of oxygenates. The review also discusses the structural features and active sites of catalysts together with property–activity correlations in the reaction.