Chemistry and pathways to net zero for sustainability

Abstract

Chemistry has a vital role in enabling the reductions in greenhouse gases, stewardship of material resources and new production processes needed to bring net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, keeping within 1.5 °C of global warming.

Renewably powered electrochemical CO2 reduction toward a sustainable carbon economy

“…Other C 1 or C-C coupled products need transfers of 6-18 or more electrons and protons. A Cu-based metal-organic framework [Cu 4 ZnCl 4 (btdd [1,4]-dioxin) was reported to enable selective reduction of CO 2 to methane (CH 4 ) in neutral aqueous electrolytes, yielding an FE of 92.0%/ 88.0% and a respectable partial current density of −9.8/−18.3 mA cm −2 at −1.2/ −1.3 V (versus (vs.) reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)). 10 The largest FE for methanol (CH 3 OH) formation has been up to 97.0%, albeit with a very low partial current density (∼−0.6 mA cm −2 ), at −0.98 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode) on a Co(CO 3 ) 0.5 (OH)$0.11H 2 O catalyst.…”

“…To alleviate this continued warming (with an international goal <2.0 °C), a massive concerted effort is ongoing to develop CO 2 capture and sequestration technologies, and to implement strategies that improve combustion efficiency to attenuate CO 2 emissions. 1 At the same time, CO 2 is recognized as a nontoxic, inexpensive, and sustainable C 1 carbon source. Converting CO 2 directly into fuels and useful chemicals by harnessing renewable and clean energy, enables a transition from a fossil-based to a low- or net-zero-emission carbon economy.…”

Morphology-controlled synthesis of a NiCo-carbonate layered double hydroxide as an electrode material for solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

“…The excessive demand and consumption of non-renewable energy resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas endangers human survival because of the detrimental ecological environment and changing global climates. 1 Thus the development and use of environmentally acceptable renewable energy resources to combat global warming and pollution are highly desirable. The solar, hydro, wind, and other renewable energy sources have considerably reduced extreme power and environmental challenges over the last decade.…”