Research Progress of Co-Conversion of CO₂ and C₁–C₄ Alkanes (A Review)

The energy crisis and environmental climate are two major global challenges. The conversion of greenhouse gases (CO₂) and light alkanes (C₁–C₄) into high-value-added products is expected to address both carbon emission and alkane utilization issues. In order to realize a light carbon economy and alleviate environmental problems, research and exploration on the utilization of carbon resources have become mainstream directions in recent years. Although a significant deal of work has been reported on the catalytic co-conversion of CO₂ and C₁–C₄ alkanes, detailed discussions and reviews are lacking. In this paper, dry reforming of methane (DRM) and the oxidative dehydrogenation or aromatization of C₂–C₄ alkanes in recent years are reviewed representatively. Furthermore, the influence of photothermal catalysis on the co-conversion of CO₂ and C₁–C₄ alkanes is discussed in detail. The existing challenges and future prospects of these reactions are also presented.