Closing the Anthropogenic Chemical Carbon Cycle toward a Sustainable Future via CO2 Valorization

Concerns over the massive increase in CO2 emissions induced by overconsumption of fossil fuels have driven the rapid development of CO2 valorization techniques. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology, which emerged as a promising strategy to relieve increasing environmental concerns and create more carbon feedstocks simultaneously, hold great promise to close the anthropogenic chemical carbon cycle. Herein, recent breakthroughs related to the two predominant techniques involved in returning CO2 into a useful state, namely CO2 capture and CO2 conversion are systematically overviewed. Initially, CO2 capture principles, recent advances, as well as future challenges of state-of-the-art absorbents/adsorbents and membrane separation technology are summarized. Furthermore, innovative catalysts related to the CO2 conversion technologies (including thermo-driven CO2 hydrogenation, photo-and electrochemical CO2 reduction, and enzymatic CO2 conversion) are discussed, emphasis is focused on the catalytic performance, design principles, and economic efficiency. Finally, a perspective regarding the future research opportunities toward CCU technologies is provided. This review aims to stimulate innovation and accelerate interdisciplinary integrations toward CCU related technologies via a discussion of fundamental mechanisms, recent breakthroughs, current associated difficulties as well as future directions.

Automated summary

This paper systematically summarizes recent breakthroughs in CO2 valorization techniques, including carbon capture and conversion, emphasizing their potential in alleviating environmental issues, creating carbon feedstocks, and future challenges. By discussing technological principles, catalyst performance, and future research directions, it provides important insights for innovation in CCU technologies.