Carbon Dioxide to Energy: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is regarded as one of the arch villains in the long debate on global warming, or what has now been more correctly termed climate change, as it accounts for approximately 85 % of the total greenhouse gases that are emitted annually. The majority of sources are from the combustion of fossil fuels. With a growing global population and consequently a growing demand for energy, there has been extensive research on alternative fuels and energy sources, as well technologies for the combustion of fossil fuels. In order to mitigate the environmental effects of carbon dioxide, numerous strategies have been proposed which focus on limitation of emissions from sources, capture, and degradation. Carbon dioxide in theory could be a potential feedstock for the production of fuel, energy, and value-added chemicals. In effect, carbon dioxide could be turned from a villain to a hero, i.e. producing energy while reducing greenhouse gases. It is therefore important that researchers continue to look for practically feasible, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient technologies that can utilize CO2 by converting it into energy, liquid hydrocarbon fuels, and value-added chemicals. This review presents the current state of the art in this regard, with emphasis on technological improvements to make carbon dioxide a viable feedstock for energy and value-added chemical production.