CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION (CCU):
ABSTRACT: Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) covers an array of technologies for
valorizing carbon dioxide (CO2). To date, most mature CCU technology conducted with
capture agents operates against the CO2 gradient to desorb CO2 from capture agents,
exhibiting high energy penalties and thermal degradation due to the requirement for thermal
swings. This Perspective presents a concept of Bio-Integrated Carbon Capture and
Utilization (BICCU), which utilizes methanogens for integrated release and conversion of
CO2 captured with capture agents. BICCU hereby substitutes the energy-intensive
desorption with microbial conversion of captured CO2 by the methanogenic CO2-reduction
pathway, utilizing green hydrogen to generate non-fossil methane.
CCU enhances sustainability during biofuel production by utilizing CO2 as a feedstock, thereby
reducing the carbon footprint of biofuels. Key parameters influencing the efficiency of CCU
include the purity of captured CO2, the type of conversion technology used, and the economic
viability of the end products.
INTRODUCTION: Carbon Capture and Utilization systems are increasingly recognized for
their potential to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices in energy
production. By capturing CO2 emissions and converting them into valuable products, CCU
contributes to a circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
PRINCIPLE: The principle of CCU involves capturing CO2 emissions from various sources
and utilizing them in chemical processes to produce fuels, chemicals, or materials. This not only
helps in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels but also provides an alternative source of carbon for
industrial processes.
RAW MATERIALS:
Captured CO2 from industrial processes
Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.)
Biomass feedstocks
Water
APPARATUS:
Carbon Capture Unit: A system designed to capture CO2 from flue gases.
Conversion Reactor: A facility where captured CO2 is converted into useful products.
Storage Tanks: Containers for storing captured CO2 and end products.
Analytical Equipment: Tools for measuring the efficiency of CO2 capture and conversion
processes.
PROCEDURE:
The Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) process consists of several key stages:
1. Capture:
o CO2 is captured from emission sources such as power plants or industrial
processes.
o Techniques include:
Absorption: Using solvents to dissolve CO2.
Adsorption: Utilizing solid materials to bind CO2.
Membrane Separation: Employing selective membranes to separate CO2
from other gases.
2. Compression:
o The captured CO2 is compressed to increase its pressure and density.
o Multi-stage compressors are typically used to enhance efficiency.
3. Transport:
o Compressed CO2 is transported to utilization sites via:
Pipelines: For large volumes over long distances.
Trucks or Ships: For smaller quantities or shorter distances.
4. Utilization:
o The captured CO2 is converted into valuable products through various methods:
Chemical Conversion: Producing chemicals like methanol or synthetic
fuels.
Biological Conversion: Using microorganisms to create biomass or
biofuels.
Mineralization: Reacting CO2 with minerals to form stable carbonates.
5. Energy Input:
o The CCU process may require energy, ideally sourced from renewable resources
to enhance sustainability.
6. Economic and Environmental Considerations:
o Assess the market demand for products and the costs associated with capture and
conversion.
o Evaluate the overall environmental benefits, including greenhouse gas emission
reductions.
By following these steps, CCU effectively transforms CO2 emissions into valuable resources,
contributing to climate change mitigation and promoting a circular economy.
Note: The process of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) occurs through both natural and
artificial means:
Natural:
o Plants capture CO2 during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter.
Artificial:
o Humans enhance CO2 capture using technologies in industrial settings,
converting captured CO2 into valuable products.
Image:
APPLICATIONS:
Biofuel Production: Captured CO2 can be converted into synthetic fuels, reducing the
carbon intensity of biofuels.
Chemical Manufacturing: CO2 can be used as a feedstock for producing chemicals like
methanol and urea.
Construction Materials: CO2 can be mineralized to create building materials,
contributing to sustainable construction practices.
Enhanced Oil Recovery: Captured CO2 can be injected into oil reservoirs to enhance oil
recovery while sequestering carbon underground.
Reference:
Nature Communications volume 15, Article number: 7492 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118090
