Valorising captured CO₂ for utilisation and storage, incentivising carbon neutrality.
The scale at which humans are emitting CO₂ each year is unprecedented. We need innovative carbon capture and utilisation technologies to go hand in hand with carbon reduction efforts to be able to get us to net zero in the fastest way possible.
Our Priority Sustainable Development Goals
Reducing the amount of CO₂ in our atmosphere is critical but how we use the captured CO₂ will become a catalyst in the promotion of CCUS globally. Developing materials using captured CO₂ can further offset the emissions created by that material's fossil fuel counterpart.
A few companies who have shown interest in installing onsite CCUS.
We asked small, medium and large companies via our survey if they would be interested in installing our CCUS system when ready, here are a handful of those companies that said yes.
Do you run a manufacturing business?
Capturing and utilising CO₂ to produce monetisable materials that trap CO₂ for a significant period of time will incentivise decarbonisation of industries. If your company is climate conscious, we recommend taking the time out to answer the following questions and supporting our mission.
Eunice Foote (1819–1888) was an American scientist and women's rights advocate who made significant contributions to the understanding of the greenhouse effect. She conducted experiments in the mid-19th century that demonstrated the warming effect of certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide. Her work foreshadowed the later research on the greenhouse effect and climate change.
In 1856, Foote presented her findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She conducted experiments with glass cylinders containing different gases and exposed them to sunlight. Foote observed that carbonic acid gas (now known as carbon dioxide) had a greater warming effect than air or other gases. She speculated that changes in the concentration of these gases could impact the Earth's climate.
Unfortunately, Foote's contributions did not receive as much recognition as they deserved during her time. Her presentation was published in the conference proceedings, but her work was not widely discussed or built upon by her contemporaries.
It's important to note that Eunice Foote's work predates the more well-known research by John Tyndall and Svante Arrhenius on the greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide in regulating Earth's temperature. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in recognising Eunice Foote's pioneering research and giving her the credit she deserves for her early insights into climate science.
Decarbonisation of industries refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with industrial activities. Industries are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels for energy and other industrial processes. Decarbonisation is crucial for mitigating climate change and transitioning to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
The decarbonisation of industries involves implementing a range of strategies and technologies to reduce emissions. These strategies can vary depending on the industry and its specific challenges, but some common approaches include:
Renewable Energy Transition: Shifting from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable energy is a key aspect of decarbonisation. This transition involves adopting solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy as alternative sources of power for industrial operations. By using clean and sustainable energy sources, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in industrial processes is essential for reducing carbon emissions. This includes optimizing processes, upgrading equipment, and implementing energy management systems to minimize energy waste. By maximizing energy efficiency, industries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their environmental impact.
Electrification: Electrifying industrial processes involves replacing fossil fuel-powered machinery and equipment with electric alternatives. Electric motors and technologies enable industries to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. The increasing availability of advanced battery storage and charging infrastructure supports the electrification of industrial operations.
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS): CCUS technologies capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes and either store them underground or utilize them for other purposes. Carbon capture technologies are used to capture CO2 emissions, while carbon storage involves safely storing captured CO2 deep underground. Utilization of captured carbon involves using CO2 in processes such as enhanced oil recovery or the production of chemicals and materials.
Sustainable Materials and Processes: Adopting sustainable materials and processes is crucial for decarbonisation. This includes using recycled materials, implementing circular economy principles, and adopting sustainable manufacturing techniques. By reducing the reliance on virgin materials and optimizing resource use, industries can minimize their environmental impact and carbon emissions.
Policy Support and Regulations: Governments play a vital role in facilitating decarbonisation efforts through supportive policies and regulations. These can include carbon pricing mechanisms, renewable energy targets, subsidies for clean technologies, and regulations that incentivize emissions reductions. Policy support provides a framework for industries to transition to cleaner practices and technologies.
Research and Development: Continued research and development are essential for advancing clean technologies, improving industrial processes, and finding innovative solutions for decarbonisation. This includes developing breakthrough technologies, exploring new materials, and enhancing the efficiency of existing processes. R&D efforts drive technological innovation and support the transition to low-carbon industries.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Achieving successful decarbonisation requires collaboration among governments, industries, research institutions, and civil society. Collaboration and partnerships foster knowledge sharing, promote technological innovation, and drive collective action towards decarbonisation goals. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources and expertise to overcome challenges and accelerate progress.
Decarbonisation of industries is a complex and multifaceted process. It requires a combination of technological advancements, supportive policies, and collaborative efforts. By implementing these strategies, industries can reduce their carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that plays a significant role in climate change. It is emitted into the Earth's atmosphere primarily through human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. Here's how carbon dioxide affects climate change:
Greenhouse Effect: Carbon dioxide, along with other greenhouse gases, acts as a heat-trapping blanket in the atmosphere. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and re-emitted as heat. Greenhouse gases like CO2 trap a portion of this heat, preventing it from escaping back into space. This natural process is known as the greenhouse effect and is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming.
Global Warming: The accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming. Increased CO2 levels enhance the Earth's overall temperature, leading to various climatic changes, including rising average temperatures, melting ice caps and glaciers, and altered weather patterns. This warming trend has numerous environmental, social, and economic implications.
Climate Feedbacks: Elevated carbon dioxide levels can trigger several feedback mechanisms that further contribute to climate change. For example, as temperatures rise, ice and snow in polar regions melt, reducing the Earth's albedo (reflectivity) and causing more sunlight to be absorbed. This process amplifies warming. Additionally, as permafrost (frozen soil) thaws, it releases trapped methane, another potent greenhouse gas, further exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
Ocean Acidification: Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, leading to a process called ocean acidification. When CO2 combines with water, it forms carbonic acid, which increases the acidity of the ocean. Ocean acidification has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, particularly on coral reefs, shell-forming organisms, and other marine life that rely on calcium carbonate for their structures and shells. It disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and threatens biodiversity.
Climate Impacts: The consequences of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere manifest in various ways. These include rising sea levels due to thermal expansion and the melting of land-based ice, altered precipitation patterns leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall), disruptions in ecosystems and biodiversity, and shifts in agricultural productivity and food security.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change. It involves transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and promoting carbon capture and storage technologies.
The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun and contribute to the warming of the planet's surface. It is named after the way a greenhouse traps heat to create a warm environment for plants.
Here's how the greenhouse effect works:
Sunlight, consisting of a range of energy wavelengths, reaches the Earth's atmosphere.
Some of the sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's surface, while the rest is reflected back into space.
The absorbed sunlight warms the Earth's surface, which then emits heat energy in the form of infrared radiation.
Certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapour (H2O), absorb and re-emit a portion of the outgoing infrared radiation.
The greenhouse gases trap some of the heat energy and prevent it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the Earth's surface and the lower atmosphere, contributing to the overall temperature of the planet.
The natural greenhouse effect is essential for life on Earth, as it helps to maintain a stable climate and enables suitable conditions for living organisms. However, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This increase intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to a phenomenon known as global warming, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise.
The enhanced greenhouse effect resulting from human activities is a matter of concern because it can have various environmental and societal impacts, including rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, disruptions to ecosystems, and potential threats to human health and well-being.
Efforts to mitigate the greenhouse effect and combat climate change involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable and cleaner energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in various sectors like transportation, industry, and agriculture.
Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 are categories used to classify and account for different types of greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with an organisations activities. These categories were developed by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, a widely used standard for greenhouse gas accounting. They help organisations understand and manage their emissions more comprehensively. Here's an explanation of each scope:
Scope 1 Emissions: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions that result from sources that are owned or controlled by the organisation. These emissions are generated from activities that are directly within the organisation's operational boundaries. They include:
Essentially, Scope 1 emissions cover emissions that are generated from activities directly managed by the organisation.
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Emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels on-site (e.g., in company-owned boilers or vehicles).
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Emissions from industrial processes that occur on-site.
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Emissions from owned or controlled chemical reactions.
Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect Emissions from Energy Consumption
Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from the generation of electricity, heating, cooling, or steam purchased by the organisation. These emissions occur outside the organisation's operational boundaries but are a consequence of the organisation's energy consumption. They are categorised as indirect because the emissions occur at a different location (e.g., a power plant) than the organisation's direct activities. Scope 2 emissions are often associated with electricity consumption and are categorised into three "market-based" or "location-based" categories depending on how an organisation procures its electricity:
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Market-Based Emissions: These are emissions associated with the actual sources of electricity and energy consumed by the organization. If an organisation buys renewable energy certificates or generates its own renewable energy, it can reduce its market-based Scope 2 emissions.
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Location-Based Emissions: These are emissions associated with the average emissions factor of the electricity grid in a specific geographic region.
Scope 3 Emissions: Indirect Emissions from Value Chain Activities
Scope 3 emissions are a broader category of indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from activities in the value chain of the organisation but are outside its operational control. These emissions include a wide range of sources, such as:
Scope 3 emissions can be the most challenging to quantify and manage because they often involve complex relationships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders.
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Emissions from purchased goods and services, including the entire lifecycle of products.
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Emissions from transportation and distribution of products.
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Emissions from employee commuting.
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Emissions from waste generated by the organisation.
Understanding and addressing all three scopes of emissions is important for a comprehensive approach to carbon management and sustainability. While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are more directly under an organization's control, Scope 3 emissions provide insights into the broader environmental impact of an organization's activities throughout its value chain.
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Ozone damage and global warming are two distinct environmental issues, although they are interconnected in some ways. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
Ozone Damage: Ozone damage refers to the depletion of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The primary cause of ozone depletion is the release of certain human-made chemicals called ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. These substances were commonly used in aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and industrial processes.
Ozone depletion primarily affects the stratosphere and has significant implications for human health and the environment. It leads to an increased influx of UV-B radiation to the Earth's surface, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other adverse effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The international community has taken action to address ozone depletion through the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out the production and use of ODS.
Global Warming: Global warming, also known as climate change, refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. GHGs, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat radiated from the Earth, leading to a greenhouse effect. The primary drivers of global warming are human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Global warming affects the entire planet and has far-reaching consequences. It leads to a variety of impacts, including rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, more frequent and severe extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves), disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity, and threats to food and water security. Mitigating global warming requires reducing GHG emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable practices.
In summary, ozone damage primarily involves the depletion of the ozone layer, which affects the stratosphere and leads to increased UV radiation. Global warming, on the other hand, is the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases and has widespread impacts on climate, ecosystems, and human societies. While both issues are environmental concerns, they arise from different causes and have distinct consequences.
Ozone depletion and global warming are distinct environmental issues, each with its own set of causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Ozone depletion primarily affects the stratospheric ozone layer, resulting in increased UV radiation and adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. The Montreal Protocol has been instrumental in addressing ozone depletion by regulating the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
In contrast, global warming is driven by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in Earth's average temperature. Its impacts encompass a wide range of consequences, including rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and threats to biodiversity and human societies. Mitigating global warming requires concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to sustainable energy sources, and implement adaptation measures.
Understanding the differences between ozone depletion and global warming allows us to address these challenges effectively. By implementing targeted strategies to reduce ozone-depleting substances and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, we can safeguard the ozone layer and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that aims to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. It involves deploying large-scale facilities that can extract CO2 from ambient air, concentrating it, and storing or utilizing it for various purposes. DAC is considered a potential tool in the fight against climate change because it can help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The process of Direct Air Capture typically involves several steps:
Air Intake: Large fans or blowers draw in air from the surroundings and pass it through filters to remove particulate matter and other impurities. The filtered air then enters the DAC system.
CO2 Adsorption: The captured air is directed through a sorbent material, typically an amine-based chemical, which has a high affinity for CO2. As the air passes over the sorbent, the CO2 molecules chemically bond with the material, while the remaining air components continue through the system.
CO2 Desorption: Once the sorbent material becomes saturated with CO2, it needs to be regenerated for reuse. This is done by applying heat or changing pressure conditions, which releases the CO2 from the sorbent. The resulting concentrated CO2 stream can be collected.
CO2 Purification: The captured CO2 may still contain traces of impurities. It goes through a purification process to remove any remaining contaminants, ensuring a high-quality CO2 stream suitable for various applications.
Storage or Utilisation: The captured CO2 can be stored underground in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. This is known as carbon capture and storage (CCS). Alternatively, the CO2 can be utilized for different purposes, such as producing synthetic fuels, chemicals, or building materials. This approach is referred to as carbon capture and utilization (CCU).
It's important to note that DAC is an energy-intensive process, requiring significant amounts of electricity to operate the fans, pumps, and heating elements. The source of this energy can greatly impact the overall carbon footprint of DAC facilities. To minimise emissions, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power can be used to power DAC systems.
While Direct Air Capture has the potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, its current deployment is limited and relatively expensive compared to other climate change mitigation strategies. However, ongoing research and technological advancements may help reduce costs and improve the efficiency of DAC in the future, making it a more viable tool for addressing the challenges of global carbon dioxide levels and climate change.
Carbon Dioxide Utilisation (CDU) refers to the process of converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products or materials, rather than simply storing it underground. Direct Air Capture (DAC) can be combined with CDU technologies to not only remove CO2 from the atmosphere but also create valuable products, thereby providing an economic incentive for carbon capture.
Once carbon dioxide is captured using DAC, it can be utilised in various ways, including:
Carbon-neutral fuels: The captured CO2 can be combined with hydrogen (produced from renewable sources) through a process called "carbon dioxide hydrogenation" or "methanation." This can generate carbon-neutral synthetic fuels like methane, methanol, or even jet fuel. These fuels can be used in existing infrastructure and transportation systems without adding new emissions to the atmosphere.
Chemical feedstock: CO2 can serve as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals, including plastics, polymers, and fertilizers. Through chemical reactions, CO2 can be converted into valuable products, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based feedstocks.
Building materials: Carbon dioxide can be used to produce construction materials such as concrete or aggregates. By incorporating CO2 into the manufacturing process, these materials can potentially have lower carbon footprints, helping to reduce emissions associated with the construction industry.
Carbonate mineralization: CO2 can be reacted with minerals containing calcium or magnesium to form stable carbonates. This process, known as mineral carbonation, permanently stores CO2 in a solid form. This method can be used to create building materials or store CO2 in geological formations, such as mining waste sites or basalt formations.
Carbonated beverages: CO2 captured from the atmosphere can also be used in the production of carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water. This application allows for the replacement of CO2 obtained from fossil fuel sources, contributing to a more sustainable production process.
By utilising CO2 captured through DAC, these applications can potentially reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and contribute to a circular carbon economy. Carbon Dioxide Utilization presents an opportunity to transform captured CO2 into valuable commodities, thereby creating economic incentives for the deployment of Direct Air Capture technologies and helping to address climate change.
Sustainable hydrogen production typically involves utilising renewable energy sources and employing methods that minimise carbon emissions. Here are a few commonly used methods for sustainable hydrogen production:
Electrolysis: Water electrolysis is a widely adopted method for producing hydrogen sustainably. It involves passing an electric current through water, splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity used in this process can come from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, ensuring a low-carbon footprint.
Biomass Conversion: Biomass, such as organic waste or plant material, can be converted into hydrogen through processes like gasification or pyrolysis. These methods involve heating the biomass in the absence of oxygen or with limited oxygen supply, which leads to the production of a hydrogen-rich gas.
Photobiological Processes: Certain microorganisms, such as algae or bacteria, have the ability to produce hydrogen through photosynthesis or fermentation. Researchers are exploring ways to optimise these natural processes to generate hydrogen efficiently and sustainably.
Solar Thermochemical Processes: Solar-driven thermochemical reactions can be used to produce hydrogen. These processes involve using concentrated solar energy to heat a material, such as metal oxides, which then undergo a chemical reaction to release hydrogen.
Wind-to-Hydrogen: Renewable energy generated by wind turbines can be used to power electrolyzers directly, producing hydrogen. This method is particularly effective in regions with abundant wind resources.
Nuclear Power: Although controversial, some proponents argue that nuclear power can be used to generate hydrogen sustainably. Advanced nuclear reactors could potentially produce large amounts of heat, which can be used in high-temperature electrolysis or other thermochemical processes for hydrogen production.
It's worth noting that the sustainability of hydrogen production also depends on the source of energy used. To achieve truly sustainable hydrogen, it's essential to use renewable energy sources and ensure that the production process minimises environmental impacts and carbon emissions.
Green hydrogen and blue hydrogen are two terms used to describe different methods of hydrogen production with varying levels of environmental impact. Here's an overview of each:
Green Hydrogen: Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through a process that utilises renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. The most common method of green hydrogen production is electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources. Since renewable energy is used, the production of green hydrogen has minimal carbon emissions and is considered environmentally friendly.
Advantages of Green Hydrogen:
Renewable Energy: Green hydrogen production relies on renewable energy sources, which contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Clean Fuel: When green hydrogen is used as a fuel, it only produces water vapour as a byproduct, resulting in zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Storage: Green hydrogen can serve as a means of energy storage, helping to balance intermittent renewable energy sources and provide a stable energy supply.
Challenges of Green Hydrogen:
Cost: Green hydrogen production is currently more expensive compared to other methods, as renewable energy sources can be costly.
Infrastructure: The development of infrastructure for the widespread production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen is a significant challenge.
Blue Hydrogen: Blue hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, such as natural gas or coal, but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology employed to reduce carbon emissions. The process involves converting fossil fuels into hydrogen while capturing and storing the resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) underground, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
Advantages of Blue Hydrogen:
Lower Emissions: Blue hydrogen, when combined with CCS, can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with hydrogen production, making it less environmentally harmful than conventional hydrogen production from fossil fuels.
Existing Infrastructure: Blue hydrogen can leverage existing infrastructure from the fossil fuel industry, facilitating easier implementation.
Challenges of Blue Hydrogen:
Carbon Capture and Storage: The success of blue hydrogen relies on effective carbon capture and storage technology, which is still under development and may have associated costs and technical challenges.
Methane Leakage: The production of blue hydrogen from natural gas can lead to methane leakage, a potent greenhouse gas, which can offset the emission reductions achieved through CCS.
While blue hydrogen can help transition away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions compared to conventional methods, it is not as environmentally sustainable as green hydrogen. The choice between green and blue hydrogen depends on factors such as availability of renewable energy resources, cost considerations, and the stage of development of carbon capture technologies. Ultimately, the aim should be to shift towards increased production and utilisation of green hydrogen as renewable energy becomes more accessible and cost-effective.
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the fundamental constituents of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Hydrocarbons can exist in various forms, including gases (such as methane and ethane), liquids (such as gasoline and diesel), and solids (such as waxes and asphalt).
The carbon atoms in hydrocarbons can form chains or rings, and the number and arrangement of carbon atoms determine the specific type of hydrocarbon. They can be classified into different groups based on their structure, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons play a crucial role in our daily lives as they serve as the primary source of energy for transportation, heating, and electricity generation. They are also essential raw materials in the production of various products, including plastics, solvents, lubricants, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
However, hydrocarbons contribute to environmental concerns, particularly when burned as fuels. The combustion of hydrocarbons releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which are major contributors to climate change. The extraction, transportation, and use of hydrocarbons also carry risks of environmental pollution and ecosystem disruption. Therefore, there is a growing emphasis on developing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to reduce our reliance on hydrocarbons.
Capturing and utilising carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock for the production of plastics is an area of ongoing research and development. While there have been some advancements in this field, it is important to note that as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the technology is still in its early stages and has not yet been widely commercialised.
One potential approach to utilising captured CO2 for plastics production involves a process called carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). This process involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources or directly from the atmosphere and converting it into a raw material for the production of various chemicals, including plastics.
One method being explored is the conversion of CO2 into a building block called ethylene, which is a key component in the production of plastics like polyethylene. Researchers are working on developing catalysts and processes that can efficiently convert CO2 into ethylene or other useful chemical intermediates.
Another approach involves the synthesis of polycarbonates using captured CO2. Polycarbonates are a type of plastic that has various applications, including in the production of eyeglass lenses, compact discs, and electronic devices. Researchers are exploring ways to incorporate CO2 as a raw material in the production of polycarbonates, potentially reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-derived feedstocks.
It's worth noting that the development of plastics generated from captured CO2 faces several challenges. One major challenge is the development of efficient and economically viable conversion processes. It requires the development of catalysts and technologies that can selectively convert CO2 into useful chemical building blocks with high yields.
Additionally, the availability and scalability of carbon capture technologies play a crucial role in the feasibility of utilising CO2 as a raw material for plastics production. The capture, purification, and storage of CO2 require significant energy and infrastructure investments, which need to be considered when assessing the overall sustainability and viability of such processes.