Advances in Thermo-, Photo-, and Electrocatalytic Continuous Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Liquid Chemicals

Abstract

The enormous research activity on the capture and conversion of CO2 into useful entities is the manifestation of scientific concerns over climate change due to increased accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. Although several thermo-, photo-, and electrocatalytic methods have been developed to convert CO2 into various important chemicals including fuels, most of them have not been successfully implemented at the industrial level. The one of the apparent reasons is the thermodynamic stability of CO2 that restricts their deployment at industrial scale because of the limitations associated with the strategy of amplifying batch reactors. Flow chemistry is an effective tool not only to develop continuous processes but also to intensify existing ones; implementation of flow processes at the commercial level is more desirable than that of batch processes. Thus, the application of flow chemistry in the CO2 conversion domain has paved the way to develop continuous methodology and, not surprisingly, has garnered tremendous attention recently. Herein, the recent progress in continuous flow conversion of CO2 into liquid chemicals via thermo-, photo-, and electrocatalytic processes is discussed including the importance of catalyst development, flow reaction parameters, and the type of flow reactors for developing a productive continuous flow process; existing challenges and future perspectives on flow chemistry for CO2 conversion are highlighted.

Perspectives of Magnetically Enhanced Electroconversion of CO2 to Formic Acid and Formate

“…The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere has increased from 270 to 417 ppm in the period 1800s–2020s. , This steep rise of CO 2 emissions, which exerts detrimental implications in climate change, has become one of the major concerns facing mankind. − Hence, implementing strategies to minimize CO 2 emissions is undoubtedly of paramount importance. , CO 2 capture and sequestration (CCS) represents an available approach to abate atmospheric CO 2 emissions. However, a more useful and environmentally friendly alternative consists of CO 2 capture and utilization (CCU), which involves the conversion of CO 2 to a variety of useful products, thus closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. − Attractive methods for CO 2 conversion have been proposed using photo-, thermo-, electro- and biocatalytic pathways. ,, From all of them, the electrochemical route is one of the most promising approaches for CO 2 utilization due to its appealing features.…”

Rational Design of Heterogeneous Dual-Atom Catalysts for CO2 Electroreduction Reactions

“…14 Overall, the electrochemical method possesses several advantages such as the recyclability of electrolytes, the possibility of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind), feasibility in the design of electrochemical cells, and applicability to scale-up using flow systems. 2,15 Electrochemical methodologies have also been introduced in the capture of CO 2 . 16 Electrocatalysts play key roles in the kinetics and thermodynamics of electroreduction processes.…”

“…Production of C 2 and C 2+ products is challenging because a high number of electrons needs to be consumed, e.g., 12 per C 2 H 4 or C 2 H 5 OH product molecule . Overall, the electrochemical method possesses several advantages such as the recyclability of electrolytes, the possibility of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind), feasibility in the design of electrochemical cells, and applicability to scale-up using flow systems. , Electrochemical methodologies have also been introduced in the capture of CO 2 …”

Comparative Study between 2‐Furonitrile and 2‐Cyanopyridine as Dehydrants in Direct Synthesis of Dialkyl Carbonates from CO2 and Alcohols over Cerium Oxide Catalyst

“…CO 2 capture and utilization (CCU) is an attractive means of mitigating climate change and also utilizing this unused but ubiquitous resource for value-added chemicals. [1,2] Chemical transformation of CO 2 is categorized into two approaches: reductive and non-reductive transformation. In the latter category, CO 2 reacts with alcohols and amines to form organic carbonates, carbamates, and urea derivatives.…”