Advancements in carbon capture and utilization technologies: Transforming CO into valuable resources for a sustainable carbon economy
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Date
2026
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Abstract
The escalating atmospheric CO₂ concentration arising from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities ne
cessitates immediate mitigation strategies to address global warming and environmental degradation. Carbon
Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies have emerged as a pivotal approach to transforming CO₂ from a
greenhouse gas into a valuable feedstock for fuels and chemicals. This review critically examines recent ad
vancements in CO₂ capture techniques—including absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, and mineral
carbonation—and their integration with various conversion routes such as thermocatalytic hydrogenation,
electrochemical and photocatalytic reduction, and biological fixation. Particular emphasis is placed on the
synthesis of methanol, ethanol, methane, syngas, cyclic carbonates, and biofuels, discussing their catalytic
systems (Cu-, Ni-, and Ti-based catalysts, metal–organic frameworks, and nanostructured semiconductors), re
action mechanisms, and process efficiencies. The review also evaluates techno-economic feasibility, energy in
put–output ratios, and net CO₂ reduction potentials, highlighting strategies for coupling renewable hydrogen and
solar-driven systems to improve sustainability. Finally, it outlines the current technology readiness levels (TRLs),
life-cycle assessment (LCA) outcomes, and research priorities needed to accelerate the industrial implementation
of CCU technologies toward a low and circular carbon economy.