AUTHOR=Zhang Xinbao , Zhang Guanghui , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen 

TITLE=Catalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol: Current Status and Future Perspective

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2020.621119

DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2020.621119

ISSN=2296-598X

ABSTRACT=<p>With the increasing environmental problems caused by carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) emission and the ultimate carbon resources needed for the development of human society, CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation to methanol with H<sub>2</sub> produced with renewable energy represents a promising path forward. Comprehensive analysis shows that the production of methanol by thermal catalytic CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation is the most promising technology for large-scale industrialization. This review highlights current developments and future perspectives in the production of methanol from CO<sub>2,</sub> as well as the main existing problems based on a thorough techno-economic analysis. Moreover, the utilization status and future role of methanol as a platform molecule in the energy system is analyzed. Finally, in this review attention is paid to the development of new catalysts, new routes and new technologies for CO<sub>2</sub> conversion aiming to clarify the future direction.</p>