We are proud to present RSC Sustainability’s themed collection on CO₂ Conversion.
Read the full collection now: https://rsc.li/su-co2
CO₂ conversion is a critical area of research in sustainable chemistry, which aims to develop processes and technologies that minimize the use of hazardous materials and energy while reducing the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing.
The collection includes work that utilises thermocatalysis to convert CO₂, as well as contributions concerning CO2 capture and conversion via metal carbonates and biomass, and less traditional approaches such as mineralisation and mechanochemical polymerisation.
The collection was Guest Edited by:
Haichao Liu, Peking university, China
Carlos Alemán, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
John Mondal, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, India
Xiao Jiang, Aramco Research Center, US
Read an Editorial from Xiao Jiang introducing the collection here: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU90006A
Explore some of the highlights from this collection, with comments provided by the authors themselves.
Silvan Scheller, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 3264-3275
The atmospheric levels of CO₂ are at an unprecedented high. The world as we know it is seriously threatened, and the damage is close to being beyond repair. These circumstances require us to consider all possible solutions, and we are convinced that collaborations hold the key to solve such a massive issue. In our nature-to-flask approach, we combine metagenomics, biochemistry and catalysis. The process was used to provide an honest perspective of multidisciplinary work in science, and the tips on how to improve scientific cooperation.
The engineering of CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis
Alex Yip et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 3638-3654
Advancements in CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts are key to converting emissions into valuable chemical products. We highlighted the roles of metals, promoters, and oxygen vacancies in designing next-generation catalysts
Carboxylation reactions for the sustainable manufacture of chemicals and monomers
Laura Faba and Salvador Ordóñez, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 3167-3182
Carboxylation reactions are currently a major challenge in the field of chemical processes. On the one hand, CO₂ is a cheap and readily available chemical (especially within the framework of carbon capture and storage technologies), but the activation of this molecule under industrially relevant conditions remains a significant bottleneck, requiring further research and innovative solutions.
Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, John N. Kuhn, et al, RSC Sustain., 2025, 3, 836-843
RWGS-CL process using perovskite oxides offers a promising route for CO₂ utilization by converting it to CO, a valuable feedstock for syngas production. Combined studies of DFT and DRIFTS have identified carbonate species as key intermediates, shedding light on the reaction mechanism.
Christian Hess, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 3846-3865
The use of CO₂ as soft oxidant is of great interest for existing and future oxidation processes such as alkane selective oxidation. In this contribution, we examine the reaction network and detailed functioning of vanadia/ceria catalysts during propane to propylene conversion using multiple in situ and operando methods, to establish a basis for future rational catalyst design.
CO₂ hydrogenation on ruthenium: comparative study of catalyst supports
Robert Güttel, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 3826-3834
We investigated various catalyst supports for Ru-based CO₂-Hydrogenation very systematically and propose the best candidates for low temperatures and pressure conditions.
A solid xantphos macroligand based on porous organic polymers for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂
Marcus Rose, et al, RSC Sustain., 2024, 2, 2213-2217
Catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ as renewable C1 building block is a key enabling technology for a sustainable future. In this work, a strategy is highlighted that combines the benefits of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to this collection, and we hope you enjoy exploring the work reported here.