Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from CO2 and Methanol Over CeO2-Based Catalyst Systems

Abstract

The direct utilization of carbon dioxide as a chemical feedstock for value-added product synthesis has gained considerable attention as a sustainable strategy for carbon management and green chemical production. The present study investigates the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from carbon dioxide and methanol over CeO₂-based catalyst systems under controlled reaction conditions. The research focuses on evaluating catalytic activity, selectivity, reaction kinetics, and process optimization for efficient dimethyl carbonate production. Cerium oxide-based catalysts were examined due to their unique redox properties, oxygen vacancy formation capability, and enhanced surface basicity, which facilitate carbon dioxide activation and methanol conversion. Experimental analysis was conducted to determine the influence of reaction temperature, pressure, catalyst composition, methanol-to-carbon dioxide ratio, and reaction time on product yield and catalytic performance. Results demonstrate that CeO₂-based catalysts significantly improve carbon dioxide adsorption and activation, promoting the formation of dimethyl carbonate while suppressing undesirable side reactions. The study further reveals that optimized operating conditions enhance catalytic stability and reaction efficiency through improved surface interaction between reactants and active catalytic sites. Comparative assessment with conventional catalytic systems confirms the superior performance of cerium oxide catalysts in terms of conversion efficiency, product selectivity, and operational durability.