Carbon Dioxide Utilisation: Closing the Carbon Cycle

Carbon Dioxide Utilisation: Closing the Carbon Cycle explores areas of application such as conversion to fuels, mineralization, conversion to polymers, and artificial photosynthesis as well as assesses the potential industrial suitability of the various processes. After an introduction to the thermodynamics, basic reactions, and physical chemistry of carbon dioxide, the book proceeds to examine current commercial and industrial processes, and the potential for carbon dioxide as a green and sustainable resource.

While carbon dioxide is generally portrayed as a "bad" gas, a waste product, and a major contributor to global warming, a new branch of science is developing to convert this "bad" gas into useful products. This book explores the science behind converting CO2 into fuels for our cars and planes, and for use in plastics and foams for our homes and cars, pharmaceuticals, building materials, and many more useful products.

Carbon dioxide utilization is a rapidly expanding area of research that holds a potential key to sustainable, petrochemical-free chemical production and energy integration.

Accessible and balanced between chemistry, engineering, and industrial applicationsInformed by blue-sky thinking and realistic possibilities for future technology and applicationsEncompasses supply chain sustainability and economics, processes, and energy integration

Part 1. Introductory Concepts 1. What is CO₂? Thermodynamics, Basic Reactions and Physical Chemistry 2. Carbon Dioxide Capture Agents and Processes 3. CO₂-Derived Fuels for Energy Storage 4. Environmental Assessment of CO₂ Capture and Utilisation

Part 2. Contribution to Materials 5. Polymers from CO₂—An Industrial Perspective 6. CO₂-based Solvents 7. Organic Carbonates 8. Accelerated Carbonation of Ca- and Mg-Bearing Minerals and Industrial Wastes Using CO₂

Part 3. Energy and Fuels 9. Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Oxygenated Organics 10. The Indirect and Direct Conversion of CO₂ into Higher Carbon Fuels 11. High Temperature Electrolysis 12. Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

Part 4. Perspectives and Conclusions 13. Emerging Industrial Applications 14. Integrated Capture and Conversion 15. Understanding and Assessing Public Perceptions of Carbon Dioxide Utilisation (CDU) Technologies 16. Potential CO₂ Utilisation Contributions to a More Carbon-Sober Future: A 2050 Vision