Carbon negative footprint materials: A review

Abstract

The worst scenario for the humanity due to climate change and limiting global temperature seems now real and can be avoided, applying the ideas, approaches and solutions of the “carbon negative footprint” in decrease of greenhouse gas emissions and reaching their net zero. Herein, we describe main definitions and terms of the carbon neutrality and negativity, current and near-future trends in achieving their goals, and corresponding techniques and materials. Global strategies to reach carbon neutrality/negativity are discussed, including green chemistry routes, efficient materials processing, correct materials selection and substitution, use of naturally renewable and recyclable materials, among other definite or synergistic carbon-capture ideas. Carbon negative materials include biochar, several carbon negative concretes and cements, biomass, bamboo-, wood- and grass-derived construction materials, recycled polymers and biopolymers, MOFs and MOF-derived nanocarbons, as well as other nanomaterials and nanocomposites on their basis, including nano-enabled membranes and filters. Carbon capture and storing methods include the DAC (direct air capture), carbon mineralization (in particular, with use of nanomaterials), concrete process optimization, oxy-fuel combustion technology, using high-capacity industrial residues and effluents, liquid and solid sorbents or chemical-looping CO2 capture, among other alternative capture and regeneration methods. Thus captured carbon can be stored or released in the form of materials “made from air” pollution, including, in particular, carbon-negative construction materials, plastics, coatings, paints and inks. In addition to carbon footprint from construction industries, the future carbon negative technologies, life cycle assessments and circular economy principles, policies and market mechanisms, public-private collaborations, costs, scalability, and environmental impacts of carbon negative materials are discussed.