2D structures for CO2 utilization

Abstract The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), a naturally occurring greenhouse gas, has constantly increased during the last decades due to human activity. Among the different strategies to reduce CO2 emissions such as worldwide reduction of fossil fuel consumption or CO2 sequestration and storage, alternative uses of CO and CO2 regard them also as valuable carbon sources to meet the requirements of a circular economy. One well-known alternative is the hydrogenation of these species to produce methane, an energy carrier of great importance for the world economy, especially in the sectors of industry, energy, and transport. Therefore, scientific community has shown a revitalized interest in the search for new and improved catalysts for the methanation reaction. This book chapter analyzes novel and exciting 2D materials, or 2D nanostructures, that have shown catalytic properties, either as supports or as metal-free catalysts, for CH4 production through CO/CO2 hydrogenation. This review intends to emphasize the present need for improved catalytic systems and processes that will, hopefully, sustain future development of real alternatives for CO2 use and recycling.