Research advances in coal-based syngas to aromatics technology

Abstract Aromatics, as essential basic chemical raw materials, are widely used in rubber, nylon, resins, solvents, and other products. Light aromatics such as benzene, toluene, and xylene serve as cornerstones of modern chemical industries. Conventional aromatic production predominantly relies on petroleum resources. Compared with traditional petroleum-derived aromatic production processes, syngas to aromatics technology offer significant advantages in terms of energy consumption, environmental emissions, and production costs. Notably, coal-based syngas to aromatics technology offers several advantages, including a shorter process flow, lower hydrogen-to-carbon ratio requirements, and improved pressure compatibility with existing systems. Therefore, syngas to aromatics technology is poised to play an increasingly vital role in future energy transitions, driving the evolution of green, low-carbon chemical industries. One of the key challenges in the technology of synthesizing aromatics from coal-based syngas lies in the construction of the catalytic system. Another challenge lies in the design of the reactor equipment. Based on the above key challenges, this review systematically summarizes three major catalytic mechanisms: the modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis pathway, the methanol-mediated pathway, and the formaldehyde-mediated pathway, deeply analyses the factors influencing the catalytic performance in the syngas to aromatics process, discusses the role of reactor design in this process; on this basis, it further explores the potential and prospects of coal-based syngas to aromatics technology in promoting the development of green and low-carbon chemical industry.