Solar-powered methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation with high conversion and selectivity

Methanol synthesis via CO₂ hydrogenation stands as a pivotal avenue for CO₂ conversion and fixation, garnering extensive investigation. Diverse reactor configurations and energy supplies, alongside a spectrum of catalyst formulations, have been developed to enhance reaction metrics including conversion, selectivity, productivity, and stability. Integrating state-of-the-art Cu-based catalysts from thermal catalysis into a photothermal reactor yielded notable results, achieving an overall CO₂ conversion of 98% and methanol selectivity of 86%. Utilizing the liquid out/gas in concept (LOGIC) reactor, in which only the catalyst bed is irradiated to raise its temperature, facilitated the condensation of products (H₂O and CH₃OH), due to their low vapor pressure. The lower concentration of products in vapor phases ensured the continuous progress of the reaction. The synergistic integration of reactor design and catalyst fabrication could capitalize on the strengths of both components and lead to enhanced performance in methanol synthesis.