Thermochemical and electrochemical aspects of carbon dioxide methanation: A sustainable approach to generate fuel via waste to energy theme

Abstract

Sustainable generation of green energy and fine chemicals from carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most desirable and promising route for justifying the atmospheric CO₂ build-up and carbon sequestration. This additionally serves to mitigate or defer global warming and avoid serious climate change. Renewable carbon is a possible source to reduce CO₂ emission and avoid the combustion of coal and petroleum products. In this context, there is a dire need to introduce modern industrial procedures to develop new carbon recycling strategies for CO_2, like spent carbon from CO₂. The role of diverse industrial processes for the proper utilization of renewable carbon would fruitfully simulate the natural procedure. For the past few decades, both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis approaches have been useful for the conversion of CO₂. Still, unfortunately, none of them addressed the current safety needs, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, reaction conditions, and selectivity. This review signifies the thermochemical and electrochemical approaches for the useful conversion of CO₂, in the presence of catalyst material, to some high-value products of industrial interests, such as fuels (methane). Furthermore, several suitable examples are discussed to represent the potential and perspective of these technologies. In summary, a highly efficient conversion of CO₂ to fuels and related high-value chemicals would fulfill the rising demands of diverse sectors of the modern world.

Keywords: Atmospheric CO(2) build-up; Carbon sequestration; Catalytic conversion; Fine chemicals; Fuel and energy products; Green energy.