Advancements in carbon capture and utilization technologies: Transforming CO2 into valuable resources for a sustainable carbon economy
2026
Harish Kumar | Rahul Sharma | Ashok K. Malik | Ashok K. Sharma | Parvin Kumar | Devender Singh
The escalating atmospheric CO₂ concentration arising from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities necessitates immediate mitigation strategies to address global warming and environmental degradation. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies have emerged as a pivotal approach to transforming CO₂ from a greenhouse gas into a valuable feedstock for fuels and chemicals. This review critically examines recent advancements in CO₂ capture techniques—including absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, and mineral carbonation—and their integration with various conversion routes such as thermocatalytic hydrogenation, electrochemical and photocatalytic reduction, and biological fixation. Particular emphasis is placed on the synthesis of methanol, ethanol, methane, syngas, cyclic carbonates, and biofuels, discussing their catalytic systems (Cu-, Ni-, and Ti-based catalysts, metal–organic frameworks, and nanostructured semiconductors), reaction mechanisms, and process efficiencies. The review also evaluates techno-economic feasibility, energy input–output ratios, and net CO₂ reduction potentials, highlighting strategies for coupling renewable hydrogen and solar-driven systems to improve sustainability. Finally, it outlines the current technology readiness levels (TRLs), life-cycle assessment (LCA) outcomes, and research priorities needed to accelerate the industrial implementation of CCU technologies toward a low and circular carbon economy.
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