Aromatics

as essential basic chemical raw materials

are widely used in rubber

nylon

resins

solvents

and other products. Light aromatics such as benzene

toluene

and xylene serve as cornerstones of modern chemical industries. Conventional aromatic production predominantly relies on petroleum resources. Compared with traditional petroleum-derived aromatic production processes

syngas to aromatics technology offer significant advantages in terms of energy consumption

environmental emissions

and production costs. Notably

coal-based syngas to aromatics technology offers several advantages

including a shorter process flow

lower hydrogen-to-carbon ratio requirements

and improved pressure compatibility with existing systems. Therefore

syngas to aromatics technology is poised to play an increasingly vital role in future energy transitions

driving the evolution of green

low-carbon chemical industries. One of the key challenges in the technology of synthesizing aromatics from coal-based syngas lies in the construction of the catalytic system. Another challenge lies in the design of the reactor equipment. Based on the above key challenges

this review systematically summarizes three major catalytic mechanisms: the modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis pathway

the methanol-mediated pathway

and the formaldehyde-mediated pathway

deeply analyses the factors influencing the catalytic performance in the syngas to aromatics process

discusses the role of reactor design in this process; on this basis

it further explores the potential and prospects of coal-based syngas to aromatics technology in promoting the development of green and low-carbon chemical industry.