Enhancing Sustainability Through Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversions at High Pressure

The most successful example of high-pressure chemistry in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical processing is the commercialization of ammonia synthesis process (300–700 bar) developed by Haber and Bosch in 1913. This breakthrough had a significant impact on large-scale production of fertilizers supporting almost half of the world's population through enhanced food production. In the industrial chemical and catalytic processes, the motivation to use high-pressure reaction condition varies. The chapter summarizes common advantageous characteristics offered by such reaction conditions. Hydrogenation of CO2 allows the production of hydrocarbons and oxygenates such as methane, methanol, dimethyl ether, and formic acid. Production of these chemicals will play pivotal roles in energy storage technology and utilization of CO2 known as the most emitted greenhouse gas. High pressure also allows creating a driving force for molecular diffusion that can be used to enhance product separation and shift chemical equilibrium.