Direct and Oriented Conversion of CO2 into Value-Added Aromatics

The oriented conversion of CO₂ into target high-value chemicals is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, but still presents a challenge. In this communication, we report the oriented conversion of CO₂ into value-added aromatics, especially para-xylene, in a single pass by combining core–shell structured Zn-doped H-ZSM-5 (Zn-ZSM-5@SiO₂) and a Cr₂O₃ component. Through precise regulation of the acidity of Zn-ZSM-5@SiO₂, high para-xylene selectivity (38.7 % in the total products) at a CO₂ conversion of 22.1 % was achieved. Furthermore, a CO₂-assisted effect in the synthesis of aromatics during the tandem process has been clarified through a control experiment. The CO₂ reactant can act as a hydrogen acceptor to accelerate the dehydrogenation of alkenes, intermediates in the synthesis of aromatics, thereby increasing the driving force towards aromatics in the tandem reaction process.