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CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future...
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CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 10811

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgios Bampos

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: catalysis; electrocatalysis; electrochemistry; advanced oxidation processes; hydrocarbon reforming; CO2 reduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Georgios Karanikolos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
2. Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: adsorption; advanced separations; carbon capture; hydrogen storage; water treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The amplification of energy demands due to global population growth and modern lifestyles result in increasing CO2 atmospheric levels, mostly attributed to intensifying fossil fuel industrial production. International initiatives, such as the Kyoto protocol and the Paris agreement, target the significant reduction of CO2 emissions in order to mitigate climate change. Towards this direction, various technologies have emerged, aiming to capture CO2 and transform it to useful products. Energy-efficient CO2 adsorption and absorption processes for capturing CO2 from various point emission sources and directly from air (DAC), employing innovative low-cost material solvents and membranes, as well as innovative conversion processes including electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RRs) to useful products, are of major importance.

The present Special Issue seeks high quality works, focusing on CO2 capture and CO2 conversion technologies. The aim of the Issue is to collect recent research and review works related to the aforementioned processes targeting CO2 mitigation.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

CO2 capture technologies:

  • Direct air capture (DAC)
  • Direct ocean capture (DOC)
  • Post-combustion capture
  • Pre-combustion capture
  • Oxy-fuel combustion
  • Chemical looping combustion
  • Cryogenic separation
CO2 capture methods:
  • Absorption
  • Adsorption
  • Membrane separation
  • Hybrid processes
CO2 conversion technologies:
  • Catalytic processes
  • Dry reforming of methane (DRM) to sygas production
  • CO2 hydrogenation to high-value products
  • Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR)
  • Microbial electrosynthesis systems (MESs)
  • Photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Dr. Georgios Bampos
Dr. Georgios Karanikolos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • greenhouse gases (GHGs)
  • carbon emissions
  • CO2
  • CO2 capture
  • carbon capture and storage (CCS)
  • carbon capture and utilization (CCU)
  • CO2 conversion
  • CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR)

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

23 pages, 4395 KiB  
Article
Carbon Footprint Analysis of Chemical Production: A Case Study of Blue Hydrogen Production
by Eric Y. H. Chan, Zulfan Adi Putra, Raymond R. Tan, Yoke Kin Wan and Dominic C. Y. Foo
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041254 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Interest in hydrogen has grown as a means to decarbonize future energy systems. To maximize hydrogen’s potential as the main energy carrier, the infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution, and storage needs to be designed and developed at a global scale. Carbon footprint analysis [...] Read more.
Interest in hydrogen has grown as a means to decarbonize future energy systems. To maximize hydrogen’s potential as the main energy carrier, the infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution, and storage needs to be designed and developed at a global scale. Carbon footprint analysis is an important metric for ensuring that the environmental impact of the developed plant is kept at a minimum. However, application of conventional methods during the conceptual design stage is challenging due to lack of detailed process data coupled with the large number of potential designs to be vetted. As a result, there is a need to develop rapid screening techniques that can be used during the conceptual design stage to gauge potential carbon footprints. To address this issue, a simplified carbon footprint analysis method is proposed in this work. Two indices are introduced, i.e., “product carbon intensity” and “economic carbon intensity”, to allow comprehensive analysis of the performance of design alternatives. By limiting the scope and basic economic analysis, the simplified carbon footprint analysis requires less data, and hence expedite the analysis process. The methodology is demonstrated through analysis of four design scenarios for blue hydrogen production. Among the scenarios, hydrogen production with both carbon capture and pre-reforming yielded better results based on product carbon intensity (2.43 kg CO2/kg H2), while design with only carbon capture performed better based on economic carbon intensity (11.25 kg CO2/USD). Thus, high potential design scenarios were successfully identified based on the newly introduced indices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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19 pages, 10729 KiB  
Article
Development of MEA-Based and AEP-Based CO2 Phase Change Absorbent
by Yongyan Wang, Fanghui Cheng, Jingsong Li, Yingshu Liu, Haihong Wang, Ziyi Li and Xiong Yang
Processes 2025, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010092 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 890
Abstract
In energy conservation and low-carbon environmental protection, separating and capturing CO2 from blast furnace gas is a crucial strategy for the steel industry to achieve its dual carbon goals. This study conducts an experimental study on the phase change absorption of carbon [...] Read more.
In energy conservation and low-carbon environmental protection, separating and capturing CO2 from blast furnace gas is a crucial strategy for the steel industry to achieve its dual carbon goals. This study conducts an experimental study on the phase change absorption of carbon dioxide for the low-energy capture of carbon dioxide in blast furnace gas in iron and steel enterprises. The experiment used 30%wt monoethanolamine (MEA) and 30%wt 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP) as a reference to blend different absorbents, and the CO2 absorption effect of the absorbents was tested. The results indicated that the MEA system phase change absorbents have the best absorption effect when the mass ratio of additives to water is 5:5, and the AEP system has the best absorption effect at 7:3. The absorption effect of different phase separators is as follows: n-propanol > sulfolane > isopropanol. AEP/n-propanol/H2O (7:3) has a maximum absorption load of 2.03 molCO2·mol−1 amine, a relatively low rich phase ratio of 0.46, and low regeneration energy consumption. The load capacity of different absorbents was calculated based on the load experiment results, and it was found that the loading capacity of the MEA system was greater than that of the AEP system, with the maximum load capacity of MEA/n-propanol/H2O (5:5) being 4.02 mol/L. Different types of absorbents exhibited an increase in rich phase density with the increase in additive quality. The regeneration performance of the absorbent indicated that at a temperature of 393.15 K, the desorption load of n-propanol aqueous solution rich phase in the absorbent was high, and the desorption speed was the fastest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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34 pages, 29972 KiB  
Article
The Palaeocene Lista Shale: A Planned Carbon Capture and Storage Top Seal for the East Mey CO2 Storage Site
by Nourah AlNajdi, Richard H. Worden and James E. P. Utley
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122773 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1673
Abstract
Top seals and overburden above reservoirs at geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites can be major concerns when they are at risk of being mineralogically and texturally unstable in the presence of high-pressure CO2. Here we report on the pore [...] Read more.
Top seals and overburden above reservoirs at geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites can be major concerns when they are at risk of being mineralogically and texturally unstable in the presence of high-pressure CO2. Here we report on the pore systems, mineralogy, and surface area attributes of the Palaeocene Lista Shale, the caprock to the Mey Sandstone at the UK’s planned East Mey CCS site. The core was logged, and then mineral quantification was undertaken with X-ray powder diffraction mineralogy, light optics and electron microscopy analyses. Laser particle size analysis was used for grain size determination. Porosity, pore throat diameter, surface area and pore body size were measured via mercury intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption analyses. The mudstone facies from the Lista Shale are dominated by smectite-rich matrix and silt-grade quartz, with small quantities of chlorite and sodic-plagioclase. Chlorite, sodic-plagioclase, and even smectite are known to be capable of reacting with, and potentially leading to mineral sequestration of CO2. The mean pore throat and pore body diameters are 17 and nearly 18 nm, respectively, showing that the Lista is mesoporous; the similarity of pore body and pore throat dimensions reveals a predominance of plate and slit pores. Gas adsorption analyses revealed that the overall pore structure is complex, with a high tortuosity of fluid movement through a complex clay-rich matrix (this equates to a mean fractal dimension D2 value of 2.67). Gas adsorption analyses have also shown that grain surfaces are moderately complex (rough) due to the dominance of clay aggregates (this equates to a mean fractal dimension D1 value of 2.56). D2 being higher than D1 suggests that there is a relatively low potential to physically store CO2 gas on grain surfaces. Conversely, the ability of the CO2 to react with minor quantities of chlorite and sodic plagioclase, or even with smectite, could lead to increasing surface area of the remaining shale minerals with newly exposed reactive silicates leading to further enhanced mineral trapping of the injected CO2. The restricted pore throat size linked to small grain size and poor sorting, and reflected by the high fractal D2 value, plus limited grain surface complexity, reflected by the low fractal D1 value, collectively suggest that mineral trapping of the injected CO2 would be relatively slow (on the order of 1000s of years) if CO2 penetrated the top seal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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15 pages, 2877 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Estimation of CO2 Absorption Capacity Using Ionic Conductivity of Protonated Di-Methyl-Ethanolamine (DMEA) and Electrical Conductivity in Low-Concentration DMEA Aqueous Solutions
by Sang-Jun Han, Joo Young Han and Jung-Ho Wee
Processes 2024, 12(11), 2495; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112495 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 928
Abstract
The present study investigates the real-time estimation of CO2 absorption capacity (CAC) based on the electrical conductivity (EC) of low-concentration di-methyl-ethanolamine (DMEA) solutions (0.1–0.5 M). CO2 absorption experiments are conducted to measure the variation in CAC and EC during CO2 [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the real-time estimation of CO2 absorption capacity (CAC) based on the electrical conductivity (EC) of low-concentration di-methyl-ethanolamine (DMEA) solutions (0.1–0.5 M). CO2 absorption experiments are conducted to measure the variation in CAC and EC during CO2 absorption, revealing a strong correlation between the two properties. The ionic conductivity of DMEAH+ formed during absorption is calculated to be 53.1 S·cm2/(mol·z), which is found to be larger than that of TEAH+ and MDEAH+. This can be attributed to the smaller molar mass and higher ionic mobility of DMEAH+. A significant finding is that the measured EC (ECM) of the DMEA solutions consistently demonstrates a lower value than the theoretically predicted value. This discrepancy is due to the larger ionic size of DMEAH+, which results in a reduction in the real mean ionic activity coefficient. This effect becomes more pronounced with increasing DMEA concentration. Consequently, a higher CAC is required to produce the same change in EC at higher amine concentrations. Based on these findings, an empirical equation is devised to estimate CAC from ECM in solutions of constant DMEA concentration. This equation will be employed as a practical approach for the in situ monitoring of CO2 absorption using DMEA aqueous solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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Review

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28 pages, 3925 KiB  
Review
CO2 to Methanol Conversion: A Bibliometric Analysis with Insights into Reaction Mechanisms, and Recent Advances in Catalytic Conversion
by Shahdev Sajnani, Mazhar Ahmed Memon, Shabir Ahmed Memon, Akash Kumar, Darakhshan Mehvish, Somavia Ameen, Mukarama, Wei Zhou and Yuan Liu
Processes 2025, 13(2), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020314 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2575
Abstract
The rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) necessitate urgent and effective strategies for its capture and utilization. Among the various CO2 valorization pathways, the conversion of CO2 into methanol has gained considerable attention due to its dual role [...] Read more.
The rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) necessitate urgent and effective strategies for its capture and utilization. Among the various CO2 valorization pathways, the conversion of CO2 into methanol has gained considerable attention due to its dual role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and serving as a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock. This review uniquely combines bibliometric analysis of 13,289 peer-reviewed publications (2012–2023) with an evaluation of Cu-based catalyst advancements, addressing critical gaps in the literature. A bibliometric analysis highlights the key trends, collaborations, and research gaps in the field. Among the catalytic systems, noble metals, though highly active, are uneconomical for large-scale applications, while non-noble metals, such as nickel, exhibit limited activity due to undesired reaction pathways. In comparison, Cu-based catalysts overcome these challenges by offering a balance of activity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. Special emphasis is placed on the CO2 to methanol conversion pathways, with insights into thermodynamic constraints, emerging solutions, and potential directions for future research. By consolidating the current state of knowledge, this review identifies significant opportunities for advancing CO2 conversion technologies, particularly in methanol synthesis, positioning it as a promising strategy for sustainable carbon management and energy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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38 pages, 3394 KiB  
Review
A Compact Review of Current Technologies for Carbon Capture as Well as Storing and Utilizing the Captured CO2
by Tim M. Thiedemann and Michael Wark
Processes 2025, 13(1), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010283 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4193
Abstract
With the consequences of climate change becoming more urgent, there has never been a more pressing need for technologies that can help to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the most polluting sectors, such as power generation, steel, cement, and [...] Read more.
With the consequences of climate change becoming more urgent, there has never been a more pressing need for technologies that can help to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the most polluting sectors, such as power generation, steel, cement, and the chemical industry. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies for carbon capture, for instance, post-combustion, pre-combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, chemical looping, and direct air capture. Moreover, already established carbon capture technologies, such as absorption, adsorption, and membrane-based separation, and emerging technologies like calcium looping or cryogenic separation are presented. Beyond carbon capture technologies, this review also discusses how captured CO2 can be securely stored (CCS) physically in deep saline aquifers or depleted gas and oil reservoirs, stored chemically via mineralization, or used in enhanced oil recovery. The concept of utilizing the captured CO2 (CCU) for producing value-added products, including formic acid, methanol, urea, or methane, towards a circular carbon economy will also be shortly discussed. Real-life applications, e.g., already pilot-scale continuous methane (CH4) production from flue gas CO2, are shown. Actual deployment of the most crucial technologies for the future will be explored in real-life applications. This review aims to provide a compact view of the most crucial technologies that should be considered when choosing to capture, store, or convert CO2, informing future researchers with efforts aimed at mitigating CO2 emissions and tackling the climate crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CO2 Capture and Conversion Processes: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)
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