Carbon dioxide capture and utilization in post-combustion: a review

This review article presents a comprehensive study of carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and utilization methods from post-combustion processes. The article highlights the need for effective carbon capture and utilization strategies. The molecular interaction mechanisms for CO₂ adsorption are discussed, including chemical and physical adsorption and the role of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur-containing functional groups. The interaction of CO₂ and functional groups in the presence of moisture is also explored. Next, various CO₂ capture techniques are examined, including absorption-based, adsorption-based, membrane-based, and chemical looping-based methods. These approaches are analyzed by their efficiency and applicability in post-combustion scenarios. The article explores the utilization of captured CO₂ in different applications. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is discussed as an alternative method to conventional oil recovery, highlighting using polymer flooding combined with CO₂ injection as a highly efficient technique. Additionally, the utilization of CO₂ in the food and beverage industry is examined, focusing on its role in food preservation, extraction processes, and packaging applications. The article also delves into using CO₂ as a renewable and green carbon source in polymer production. Sustainable polymers such as polyethylene furan dicarboxylate (PEF) and poly(hydroxy urethane-ureas) (PHUUs) are highlighted, along with the utilization of supercritical CO₂ in micro-cellular plastic and elastomer production. The article concludes by discussing future opportunities and potential applications of CO₂ capture and utilization, emphasizing the importance of developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Overall, this review article provides valuable insights into the advancements and potential of using absorbed CO₂ from post-combustion processes for various applications.