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The Chemical Route to a Carbon Dioxide Neutral World
Johan A Martens1,2, Annemie Bogaerts3,2, Norbert De Kimpe4,2
1Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F-box 2461, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
Chemsuschem
|December 8, 2016
Summary
Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial sources and converting it into fuels like methane and methanol is technically feasible. Transitioning to a mixed carbon-hydrogen economy can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, moving towards a neutral world.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Technology
Background:
- Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions stem from both point and diffuse sources.
- Industrial CO2 capture and conversion technologies are advancing, with some nearing industrial scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the technical feasibility and timeline for CO2 capture and conversion technologies.
- To explore the potential of renewable energy sources for powering CO2 capture and conversion.
- To evaluate the role of synthetic fuels and a mixed carbon-hydrogen economy in mitigating CO2 emissions.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging chemical technologies for CO2 capture and conversion.
- Analysis of energy requirements and potential low-carbon energy sources (solar, tidal, geothermal, nuclear).
- Assessment of synthetic fuels (methane, methanol) as energy carriers and chemical feedstocks.
- Evaluation of challenges and progress in capturing CO2 from diffuse sources, including air capture.
Main Results:
- CO2 capture from industrial point sources and conversion into fuels/chemicals is technically possible, with technologies implementable within 5-20 years.
- Low-carbon energy sources are crucial for powering these energy-intensive processes.
- Synthetic methane and methanol offer viable renewable energy pathways with existing infrastructure.
- Progress is being made in capturing CO2 from diffuse sources, though challenges remain.
Conclusions:
- A transition to a mixed carbon-hydrogen economy is essential for reducing net CO2 emissions.
- While a complete ban on carbon is not currently feasible, these technologies can lead to a CO2-neutral world.
- Continued development in CO2 capture, particularly from diffuse sources, is vital for future climate mitigation efforts.
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