Carbon dioxide utilization—Electrochemical reduction to fuels and synthesis of polycarbonates

Abstract

The implications of the future implementation of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies on carbon dioxide utilisation (CDU) are briefly examined.Two examples of CDU applications are reviewed, namely electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to produce fuels and CO2 transformation into carbonates and polymers. While chemical transformation of carbon dioxide into fuels is in the demonstration phase, high pressure electrochemical reduction is still in the infancy of the art, but, as an integrated technology, it is a promising alternative to store electric energy in liquid (methanol) or gaseous (methane) form. The production of organic carbonates or polycarbonates from carbon dioxide is a well-known field, but novel catalysts and new raw materials will continue to provide useful chemicals and polymers.