In the context of global carbon neutral strategy, the resource utilization of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has become a key pathway to achieve climate governance goals. In this study, we focus on the thermal catalytic- driven CO₂ methanol production technology and systematically elucidate its reaction mechanism and process characteristics. By comparing the domestic and international methanol preparation technology routes, it is found that coal-based syngas are the mainstream in China (e.g., Ruchi furnace and aerospace furnace technology), which is characterized by low feedstock cost but high energy consumption. Overseas countries mainly rely on natural gas reforming technology (e.g. SMR/ATR), which is eco-friendly but limited by natural gas resources. The industrialization of the current technology faces three core challenges, firstly, copper-based catalysts are easy to deactivate under high temperature and pressure, and multifunctional catalysts (e.g. rare earth doping, nanostructured MOFs derivatives) with both high activity and stability need to be developed. Secondly, the cost of CO₂ capture is high, and breakthroughs in efficient and low-consumption enrichment technologies (e.g., development of new adsorbent materials) are needed. Meanwhile, the harsh reaction conditions (200-300°C/50-100 atm) lead to high investment and energy consumption. Therefore, future research should focus on constructing CO₂/H₂ dual active site catalyst systems, exploring a new paradigm of low-temperature atmospheric pressure reaction, and developing a green process chain for integrated CCUS. This technological breakthrough will strongly promote the recycling of carbon resources and provide key technological support for the low-carbon transformation of the chemical industry.
Xingrui Dong (Thu,) studied this question.