Sustainable thermocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to fuels and chemicals via reverse water-gas shift reactions for carbon neutrality

The pressing urge to address climate change and reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels has driven significant research into CO₂ conversion technologies. Among these, the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction presents a promising pathway for transforming CO₂ into CO, which can subsequently be utilized in syngas conversion processes to generate valuable chemicals and fuels. However, the RWGS reaction faces challenges related to its moderate endothermic nature and competition with the highly exothermic CO₂ methanation reaction at low temperatures. Enhancing low-temperature reaction efficiency and CO selectivity remains a critical focus in catalyst development. This review paper explores novel developments in diverse catalyst materials and presents practical insights into thermocatalytic pathways for the RWGS reaction. Emerging strategies for improving CO₂ conversion efficiency, CO selectivity, and energy utilization are explored. Additionally, reactor designs, operational parameters, and their integration with other processes are analyzed to enhance overall process performance. A techno-economic assessment is presented, highlighting the feasibility and potential impacts of these advancements, along with recommendations for future research directions. This work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing challenges and realize the full potential of RWGS technologies for sustainable CO₂ utilization.