Carbon Dioxide-Mediated Chemical Processes in Aqueous Solutions

The physical and chemical behavior of CO₂ is key to understanding the ubiquity of inorganic carbon, which includes atmospheric CO₂, dissolved CO₂ in surface waters, and precipitated and mineralized carbonate in sediments and rock formations. These complex equilibria contribute to the global carbon cycle, inspiring novel CO₂ applications. Because water is crucial in these equilibria, a comprehensive overview of CO₂ reactivity in aqueous systems can help us to design and enhance the efficiencies of various artificial CO₂-mediated processes. Here, we discuss the role of CO₂ in responsive processes in, on, and with water, ranging from catalysis and organic synthesis to materials, surfactants, and carbon capture methods. These concepts are necessary for developing innovative smart materials, drug delivery systems, stimuli-controlled catalysis, novel environmental remediation processes, and new CO₂ capture materials. We rationalize these recent examples in terms of mod of action of CO₂ to recapitulate this rapidly developing field.