Realizing efficient carbon dioxide hydrogenation to liquid hydrocarbons by tandem catalysis design

Carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation to value added hydrocarbons remains a promising path to valorize the detrimental CO2 from waste to useful energy resources and chemicals. Much progress has been made in the catalytic transformation of CO2, via hydrogenation, to short-chain products such as methane, methanol, formic acid, and lower olefins (C2−C4). However, the selective transformation of CO2 into long-chain hydrocarbons (C5+) is still a great challenge and thus has seen few successful reports. In this perspective, we review the advances in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to liquid hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and aromatics. Emphasis is placed on strategies of tandem catalyst designs and reaction mechanisms and their influence on C–O bond cleaving and C–C coupling. Also, the fundamental factors influencing the performance of catalysts and C–C coupling mechanism that can improve selectivity for long-chain hydrocarbons through different routes are outlined. Finally, we present an outlook that summarizes the research challenges and opportunities associated with the hydrogenation of CO2 to liquid hydrocarbons.