Transformation of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into useful components and reducing global warming: A comprehensive review

Abstract

CO2, a greenhouse gas, is continuously emitted by different sources due to the extensive use of fossil fuels. Hence various methods have been developed to mitigate CO2 gas from the environment. The capturing and storing of carbon is termed carbon capture and storage, a method of reducing the level of CO2 from the atmosphere emitted by industrial sites and power stations. The reduction of the atmospheric carbon or the stored carbon to different products by multiple techniques has been a current topic of research, taking the environmental concern into account. The reduction of CO2 is very challenging since the bond energy of C=O is very high. Additionally, the separation of the gas from the atmosphere or industrial flue gas is also technologically difficult. This review comprises a detailed discussion of the methods adopted for the conversion of CO2 into different carbon nano-materials and hydrocarbons. The mechanisms associated with the conversion, along with the role of electrodes used for the conversion of the gas during electrolysis, have also been conferred extensively.