Recent advancements in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) into industrial products

Abstract

Rising global carbon emissions generate three major environmental effects: climate change, global warming, and ecological instability. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) demonstrates potential as a promising technology to convert captured CO₂ into multiple industrial products, including synthetic fuels and green chemicals, as well as construction materials. CCU represents a divergent approach to carbon capture and storage because it maintains the continuous incorporation of CO₂ into industrial operations to establish a circular carbon economy model. The research community has extensively explored multiple carbon capture strategies. These include post-combustion, pre-combustion, direct air capture, and novel adsorption-based methods, focusing on both efficiency and practical implementation. Various CO₂ capture and conversion processes have benefited from research advancements in nanomaterials, solvent-based absorption, membrane separation, and electrochemical conversion. These technologies offer significant economic advantages and environmental benefits to society. However, several challenges remain, including production scalability, high operational costs, and regulatory complexities. The extensive review of CCU progresses by examining essential developments and industrial applications as well as sustainable carbon management predictions.