Switchable Catalysts for Chemical CO2 Recycling: A Step Forward in the Methanation and Reverse Water–Gas Shift Reactions

Abstract

Advanced catalytic technologies are crucial to enable the transition toward a low-carbon industry with minimized CO2 emissions. This paper showcases the application of highly effective Ru-promoted Ni-based catalysts for gas-phase CO2 upgrading: CO2 methanation and reverse water–gas shift. The addition of small amounts of Ru results in a remarkable enhancement of CO2 conversion and selectivity. The bimetallic Ru-Ni catalyst displays greater metallic dispersion, tuned electronic properties and outstanding stability for long-term runs, a mandatory requisite for its implementation in actual CO2 conversion units. The singularity of our advanced catalyst lays on its capacity to work effectively for both the CO2 methanation and the reverse water–gas shift, allowing end-product flexibility by adjusting the reactor temperature. Such versatility opens a big range of possibilities to adapt this technology in heavy carbon industries whose net CO2 emissions represent a big share in the global greenhouse gases emissions.