• • China's PX consumption in 2024 reached 40 million tons (63% of global total) with 17% import dependency, underscoring the strategic need for alternative syngas-based routes.
• • The review identifies three catalytic systems for syngas-to-PX: FTS/zeolite coupling, methanol synthesis/zeolite synergy, and dual-engine/zeolite, each with distinct mechanistic pathways.
• • Critical parameters include electronic structure of active components, promoter synergy, and zeolite pore topology, which jointly determine catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
• • Reaction mechanisms via olefin, methanol, and dual-intermediate routes are systematically explored, providing a framework for rational catalyst design.