Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether from CO2: Recent Advances in Bifunctional/Hybrid Catalytic Systems

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a versatile raw material and an interesting alternative fuel that can be produced by the catalytic direct hydrogenation of CO2. Recently, this process has attracted attention industry due to environmental benefits CO2 elimination from atmosphere its lower operating costs with respect classical, two-step synthesis DME syngas (CO + H2). However, kinetics thermodynamic limits, use as for production requires development more effective catalysts. In context, objective review present latest progress achieved in bifunctional/hybrid systems CO2-to-DME process. For catalyst design, challenging because it should combine metal acid functionalities same catalyst, correct ratio controlled interaction. The needed activation transformation stable molecules into methanol, whereas dehydrate methanol DME. Recent developments design have been discussed analyzed review, presenting different strategies employed preparation novel bifunctional catalysts (physical/mechanical mixing) hybrid (co-precipitation, impregnation, etc.) improved efficiency toward formation. Finally, outline future prospects research efficient bi-functional/hybrid will presented.