Research Progress of Non-Noble Metal Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Methanation

The extensive utilization of fossil fuels has led to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration, resulting in various environmental issues. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate CO₂ emissions, it is important to explore alternative methods of utilizing CO₂ and H₂ as raw materials to obtain high-value-added chemicals or fuels. One such method is CO₂ methanation, which converts CO₂ and H₂ into methane (CH₄), a valuable fuel and raw material for other chemicals. However, CO₂ methanation faces challenges in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. The reaction rate, CO₂ conversion, and CH₄ yield need to be improved to make the process more efficient. To overcome these challenges, the development of suitable catalysts is essential. Non-noble metal catalysts have gained significant attention due to their high catalytic activity and relatively low cost. In this paper, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the CO₂ methanation reaction are discussed. The focus is primarily on reviewing Ni-based, Co-based, and other commonly used catalysts such as Fe-based. The effects of catalyst supports, preparation methods, and promoters on the catalytic performance of the methanation reaction are highlighted. Additionally, the paper summarizes the impact of reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, space velocity, and H₂/CO₂ ratio on the catalyst performance. The mechanism of CO₂ methanation is also summarized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process. The objective of this paper is to deepen the understanding of non-noble metal catalysts in CO₂ methanation reactions and provide insights for improving catalyst performance. By addressing the limitations of CO₂ methanation and exploring the factors influencing catalyst effectiveness, researchers can develop more efficient and cost-effective catalysts for this reaction.