Recent advances in bifunctional synthesis gas conversion to chemicals and fuels with a comparison to monofunctional processes

• Published in: Catalysis science & technology 2024-08, Vol.14 (17), p.4799-4842
• Main Authors: Weber, J. L, Mejía, C. Hernández, de Jong, K. P, de Jongh, P. E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkenes; Carbon dioxide; Carbon monoxide; Catalysis; Catalytic converters; Chemical activity; Chemistry; Dimethyl ether; Direct conversion; Gasoline; Octane number; Selectivity; Synergistic effect; Synthesis gas
• ISSN: 2044-4753; 2044-4761
• DOI: 10.1039/d4cy00437j

In order to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and limit the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change, we must move away from the use of fossil feedstocks for the production of chemicals and fuels. The conversion of synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide) can contribute to this. Several reactions allow to convert synthesis gas to oxygenates (such as methanol), olefins or waxes. In a consecutive step, these products can be further converted into chemicals, such as dimethyl ether, short olefins, or aromatics. Alternatively, fuels like gasoline, diesel, or kerosene can be produced. These two different steps can be combined using bifunctional catalysis for direct conversion of synthesis gas to chemicals and fuels. The synergistic effects of combining two different catalysts are discussed in terms of activity and selectivity and compared to processes based on consecutive reaction with single conversion steps. We found that bifunctional catalysis can be a strong tool for the highly selective production of dimethyl ether and gasoline with high octane numbers. In terms of selectivity bifunctional catalysis for short olefins or aromatics struggles to compete with processes consisting of single catalytic conversion steps. The direct conversion of synthesis gas to chemicals and fuels using bifunctional catalysis has been reviewed. Some novel bifunctional pathways show promising advantages over the classic approach utilizing several reactor in series.