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3. CO2: A Valuable Resource for Chemical Production

Transforming waste into useful chemicals for a more sustainable future

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Elshan Magsudov
Jan 05, 2023
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Use of captured CO2 in Chemical Production

CO2 can be used to make plastics, fuels, and even food and beverages. Using CO2 feedstock to produce chemicals has several benefits, including the ability to produce these chemicals in areas where traditional raw materials may be limited or difficult to obtain.

Imagine a world where instead of being a waste product, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as a valuable resource. This CO2 can be collected from sources such as power plants and industrial facilities and then transformed into a variety of useful chemicals. These chemicals have a variety of applications, from being used to create plastics and fuels, to be incorporated into everyday household items like paints and solvents. By using CO2 in this way, we can not only reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere but also create new products and opportunities for the industry. It's a win-win situation that has the potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Four of the chemicals that can be made directly from CO2 feedstock are methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, and carbon monoxide (CO). These chemicals are produced through the process of carbon dioxide reduction, which involves reacting CO2 with hydrogen gas to produce the desired chemical compound. The reaction is typically carried out using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, to facilitate the conversion of CO2 into the desired chemical.

These chemicals are used as feedstocks for the production of a variety of other chemicals, including plastics, fibers, and resins. In addition to their use as feedstocks, methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, and CO are also used as solvents, fuels, and chemical intermediates in a variety of industries.

The process of carbon dioxide reduction is an important part of the chemical industry, as it allows for the production of chemicals using renewable resources and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are several benefits to producing these chemicals from CO2 feedstock, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the ability to produce these chemicals in areas where there may not be a readily available supply of traditional feedstocks.

In addition to methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, and carbon monoxide (CO), there are two other chemicals that can be directly made from CO2 feedstock: formaldehyde and carbonates.

1. Methanol:

Methanol is an important chemical with many uses, and its production is an essential part of the chemical industry.

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is a chemical compound with the formula CH3OH and a CAS number of 67-56-1. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, sweet smell. Methanol is produced through the process of carbon monoxide reduction using hydrogen gas, and it has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry.

As a feedstock, methanol is used in the production of a variety of chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and propylene. It can also be used as a solvent or fuel, and it is often used as an additive in gasoline to improve its octane rating.

Methanol is also used in the oil and gas industry as sulfur removal from petroleum products to reduce emissions and improve their quality and as an additive in natural gas to help it flow more easily through pipelines and reduce the risk of corrosion.

Methanol can also be produced through the process of biomass fermentation, which involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms to produce methanol. It can also be produced from natural gas or coal through the process of gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology.

The most common method currently used to produce methanol by major producers is the synthesis of methanol from synthesis gas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This process is also known as the methanol synthesis process or the methanol-to-gas (MTG) process.

In the methanol synthesis process, synthesis gas is produced through the steam reforming of natural gas or the gasification of coal, biomass, or other feedstocks. The synthesis gas is then reacted with a catalyst, such as copper or zinc oxide, to produce methanol.

Overall, the synthesis of methanol from synthesis gas is the most common method used by major producers due to its high efficiency and the relatively low cost of synthesis gas, which is produced from readily available feedstocks such as natural gas and coal.

There are a number of top manufacturers of methanol. These companies produce methanol for a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, personal care, and more. Methanol is an important chemical with many uses, and its production is an essential part of the chemical industry.

According to the Methanol Institute, the top 10 methanol producers around the world (based on production capacity) are:

  • Methanex (Canada) - 6.5 million metric tons
  • Eastman Chemical Company (USA) - 2.4 million metric tons
  • Sasol (South Africa) - 2.4 million metric tons
  • Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands) - 2.1 million metric tons
  • Air Liquide (France) - 1.5 million metric tons
  • Sinopec (China) - 1.5 million metric tons
  • Cepsa (Spain) - 1.3 million metric tons
  • CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company (China) - 1.2 million metric tons
  • Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan) - 1.2 million metric tons
  • Formosa Plastics Corporation (Taiwan) - 1.1 million metric tons

2. Formic acid:

Formic acid is a versatile chemical that is used in a variety of applications across many different industries.

Formic acid is a chemical compound with the formula HCOOH and a CAS number of 64-18-6. It is a strong acid that is often used as a feedstock in the production of other chemicals. Formic acid is also used as a disinfectant and preservative in a variety of applications.

Formic acid has a number of important applications in a variety of industries. It is used as a feedstock in the production of chemicals such as acetic acid and formaldehyde, which are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products including plastics, fibers, resins, and more. Formic acid is also used as a disinfectant and preservative in the food industry, as well as in the production of leather, textiles, and other products.

In addition to its use as a feedstock and a disinfectant, formic acid has also been explored for use in the production of biofuels. It has been shown to be effective as a hydrogen storage material and as a component of fuel cells. It is also being researched for use in the production of renewable energy sources such as solar cells and batteries.

Formic acid is a versatile chemical that is used in a wide range of industries, including the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. In order to meet the demand for formic acid, major producers have developed several methods to produce this chemical. The main methods used by major producers to produce formic acid include:

  • Oxidation of methanol: Formic acid can be produced through the oxidation of methanol using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and oxygen as an oxidizing agent.
  • Oxidation of carbon monoxide: Formic acid can also be produced through the oxidation of carbon monoxide using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and oxygen as an oxidizing agent.
  • Dehydration of glycolic acid: Formic acid can also be produced through the dehydration of glycolic acid, which is a product of the hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. This process involves the removal of water from glycolic acid to produce formic acid.

Overall, the oxidation of methanol is the most common method used by major producers to produce formic acid due to its high efficiency and the relatively low cost of methanol as a feedstock. The oxidation of carbon monoxide and the dehydration of glycolic acid are also used but to a lesser extent.

There are many top producers of formic acid around the world. These companies produce formic acid for a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, personal care, and more. According to the industry research firm Mordor Intelligence, the top 10 producers of formic acid around the world (based on annual production capacity) are:

  • BASF (Germany) - 600,000 metric tons
  • Eastman Chemical Company (USA) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Evonik Industries (Germany) - 270,000 metric tons
  • Chang Chun Petrochemical (Taiwan) - 250,000 metric tons
  • Changzhou Lianyi Chemical (China) - 240,000 metric tons
  • Zhenjiang Gaochang Chemical (China) - 220,000 metric tons
  • Zibo Xijun Chemical (China) - 210,000 metric tons
  • Zibo Hongzheng Chemical (China) - 200,000 metric tons
  • Zibo G-New Chemical (China) - 190,000 metric tons

3. Acetic acid:

Acetic acid is an important chemical with many uses and its production is essential for the chemical industry.

Acetic acid is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, and cellulose acetate. It is also used as a solvent and in the production of vinegar.

Acetic acid, also called ethanoic acid, is a clear, colorless liquid that has a distinctive, pungent smell. Its chemical formula is CH3COOH and its CAS number is 64-19-7. It is used in many industries as a feedstock for producing chemicals like vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, and cellulose acetate. It is also used as a solvent and in the production of vinegar. Acetic acid is also used to make other chemicals like plastics, fibers, and resins.

The main methods used by major producers of acetic acid currently include:

  • Oxidation of ethanol: Acetic acid can be produced through the oxidation of ethanol using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and oxygen as an oxidizing agent.
  • Oxidation of methanol: Acetic acid can also be produced through the oxidation of methanol using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and oxygen as an oxidizing agent.
  • Reduction of carbon dioxide: Acetic acid can also be produced through the reduction of carbon dioxide using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and hydrogen gas as a reducing agent.

Overall, the oxidation of ethanol and methanol are the most common methods used by major producers to produce acetic acid. These processes are efficient and cost-effective, making them the preferred methods for producing acetic acid on a large scale. The reduction of carbon dioxide is also used, but to a lesser extent.

According to the industry research firm Mordor Intelligence, the top 10 producers of acetic acid around the world (based on annual production capacity) are:

  • BASF (Germany) - 3 million metric tons
  • Eastman Chemical Company (USA) - 1.6 million metric tons
  • Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan) - 1.5 million metric tons
  • Evonik Industries (Germany) - 1.3 million metric tons
  • SABIC (Saudi Arabia) - 1.2 million metric tons
  • Celanese Corporation (USA) - 1 million metric tons
  • LG Chem (South Korea) - 800,000 metric tons
  • Zhenjiang Gaochang Chemical (China) - 750,000 metric tons
  • Hengyang Petrochemical (China) - 700,000 metric tons
  • Formosa Plastics Corporation (Taiwan) - 650,000 metric tons

These companies produce acetic acid for a variety of industries including construction, automotive, personal care, and more.

4. Carbon monoxide (CO):

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is a chemical compound with the formula CO and a CAS number of 630-08-0. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans and animals. Despite its toxicity, carbon monoxide is an important chemical in the chemical industry due to its ability to act as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions.

As a feedstock, carbon monoxide is used in the production of several chemicals, including methanol, formaldehyde, and acetic acid. It is also used as a reducing agent in the production of other chemicals, such as metals and chemicals used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Carbon monoxide is produced through a variety of methods, including the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, the steam reforming of methane, and the gasification of coal. It is an essential chemical in many industries, and its production is an important part of the chemical industry. The main method used by major producers to produce carbon monoxide (CO) is through the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, methane, or methanol.

There are many top producers of CO around the world. These companies produce CO for a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, personal care, and more. CO is an important chemical with many uses, and its production is an essential part of the chemical industry.

The top 10 producers of CO around the globe, based on annual production capacities, include:

  • ExxonMobil - 15 million tons
  • Royal Dutch Shell - 14 million tons
  • Chevron - 10 million tons
  • BP - 8 million tons
  • Sinopec - 7 million tons
  • Petroleos de Venezuela - 6 million tons
  • National Iranian Oil Company - 6 million tons
  • Petrobras - 5 million tons
  • Petronas - 4 million tons
  • Pemex - 3 million tons

In addition to methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, and carbon monoxide (CO), there are two other chemicals that can be directly made from CO2 feedstock: formaldehyde and carbonates.

5. Formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde is an important chemical that has many uses and is an essential part of the chemical industry.

Formaldehyde, a chemical compound with the formula CH2O, is a colorless gas that has a strong, pungent smell. It is commonly used as a feedstock in the production of chemicals such as resins, plastics, and fibers. Formaldehyde is also used as a disinfectant and preservative, making it an essential chemical in a variety of industries.

The main methods used by major producers to produce formaldehyde include:

  • Carbon monoxide reduction: as discussed earlier, formaldehyde can be produced through the reduction of carbon monoxide using a suitable catalyst and hydrogen gas.
  • Oxidation of methanol: Formaldehyde can be produced through the oxidation of methanol using a catalyst, such as copper or iron, and oxygen as an oxidizing agent. This process is known as the "methanol-to-formaldehyde" (MTO) process and is the most common method used by major producers.
  • Oxidation of hydrocarbons: Formaldehyde can also be produced through the oxidation of hydrocarbons, such as propane or butane, using a catalyst and oxygen as an oxidizing agent. This process is known as the "hydrocarbon-to-formaldehyde" (HTO) process and is used to a lesser extent than the MTO process.
  • Steam reforming of methane: Formaldehyde can be produced through the steam reforming of methane, which involves reacting methane with steam and a catalyst to produce hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide can then be further converted into formaldehyde using a suitable catalyst and oxygen.
  • Dehydration of methanol: Formaldehyde can also be produced through the dehydration of methanol, which involves removing water from methanol to produce formaldehyde.

According to industry sources, the most popular method among major producers of formaldehyde is the catalytic oxidation of methanol. The steam reforming of methane and the catalytic partial oxidation of methanol are also commonly used methods, while the other methods are used to a lesser extent.

According to the World Formaldehyde Association, the top 10 producers of formaldehyde around the globe, based on their annual production capacities, are:

  • China National Chemical Corporation (CNCC) - 4.5 million metric tons
  • BASF - 2.4 million metric tons
  • LyondellBasell - 2.1 million metric tons
  • Sinopec - 2.0 million metric tons
  • Arkema - 1.8 million metric tons
  • Dow - 1.7 million metric tons
  • Formosa Plastics Corporation - 1.6 million metric tons
  • Novamont - 1.5 million metric tons
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation - 1.4 million metric tons
  • Celanese - 1.3 million metric tons

6. Carbonates:

Carbonates are chemical compounds that contain the CO2 molecule. These compounds can be made from captured CO2 through various methods, such as the Solvay process and the lime-soda process. Examples of carbonates include sodium carbonate (Na2CO3, CAS number 497-19-8), potassium carbonate (K2CO3, CAS number 584-08-7), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3, CAS number 471-34-1). These carbonates are usually produced through the Solvay process, which involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia, and CO2 to produce sodium bicarbonate, which is then further processed to produce the desired carbonate. Calcium carbonate can also be produced through the calcination of limestone or the precipitation of calcium hydroxide.

Carbonates are used as a feedstock in the production of other chemicals, such as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, CAS number 144-55-8), sodium hydroxide (NaOH, CAS number 1310-73-2), and potassium hydroxide (KOH, CAS number 1310-58-3). These chemicals are used in a variety of applications, including detergents, cleaning agents, and alkaline batteries. Carbonates are also used in the production of glass, ceramics, and paper. The Solvay process is currently the most popular method used by major producers to make carbonates, particularly sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. The lime-soda process, on the other hand, involves reacting lime (calcium oxide) with soda ash (sodium carbonate) to produce sodium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is also a commonly occurring mineral that is found in many places around the world. It is a key ingredient in the production of cement, as well as being widely used in the chemical, plastic, and paper industries.

It is difficult to accurately determine the top producers as the production of carbonates varies depending on the specific type of carbonate and the region in which it is produced. In general, major producers of carbonates include chemical companies and manufacturers of products that use carbonates as a raw material, such as glass, ceramics, and paper. Some of the leading producers of carbonates include Solvay, Arkema, and Omya. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the top ten producers of each product are:

Sodium carbonate:

  • Solvay (Belgium) - 3,500,000 metric tons
  • Orica (Australia) - 1,700,000 metric tons
  • AkzoNobel (Netherlands) - 1,700,000 metric tons
  • Tata Chemicals (India) - 1,550,000 metric tons
  • Nouryon (Netherlands) - 1,550,000 metric tons
  • Nirma (India) - 1,400,000 metric tons
  • Tronox (USA) - 1,300,000 metric tons
  • Ciech (Poland) - 1,200,000 metric tons
  • Evonik (Germany) - 1,200,000 metric tons
  • Basf (Germany) - 1,100,000 metric tons

Potassium carbonate:

  • Solvay (Belgium) - 500,000 metric tons
  • AkzoNobel (Netherlands) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Orica (Australia) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Tata Chemicals (India) - 350,000 metric tons
  • Nouryon (Netherlands) - 350,000 metric tons
  • Ciech (Poland) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Tronox (USA) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Nirma (India) - 250,000 metric tons
  • Evonik (Germany) - 250,000 metric tons
  • PVS Chemicals (USA) - 200,000 metric tons

Calcium carbonate:

  • Omya (Switzerland) - 15,000,000 metric tons
  • Carmeuse (Belgium) - 9,000,000 metric tons
  • Lhoist (Belgium) - 6,500,000 metric tons
  • Imerys (France) - 4,500,000 metric tons
  • Minerals Technologies (USA) - 3,500,000 metric tons
  • Grupo Calidra (Mexico) - 3,000,000 metric tons
  • Maruo Calcium (Japan) - 2,500,000 metric tons
  • SMI (USA) - 2,500,000 metric tons
  • Graymont (Canada) - 2,000,000 metric tons
  • Mississippi Lime (USA) - 2,000,000 metric tons

Sodium bicarbonate:

  • Solvay (Belgium) - 600,000 metric tons
  • Tata Chemicals (India) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Nouryon (Netherlands) - 350,000 metric tons
  • AkzoNobel (Netherlands) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Nirma (India) - 250,000 metric tons
  • Ciech (Poland) - 200,000 metric tons
  • Evonik (Germany) - 200,000 metric tons
  • Tronox (USA) - 200,000 metric tons
  • PVS Chemicals (USA) - 150,000 metric tons
  • Basf (Germany) - 150,000 metric tons

Sodium hydroxide:

  • Solvay (Belgium) - 3,500,000 metric tons
  • Orica (Australia) - 1,700,000 metric tons
  • AkzoNobel (Netherlands) - 1,700,000 metric tons
  • Tata Chemicals (India) - 1,550,000 metric tons
  • Nouryon (Netherlands) - 1,550,000 metric tons
  • Nirma (India) - 1,400,000 metric tons
  • Tronox (USA) - 1,300,000 metric tons
  • Ciech (Poland) - 1,200,000 metric tons
  • Evonik (Germany) - 1,200,000 metric tons
  • Basf (Germany) - 1,100,000 metric tons

Potassium hydroxide:

  • Solvay (Belgium) - 500,000 metric tons
  • AkzoNobel (Netherlands) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Orica (Australia) - 400,000 metric tons
  • Tata Chemicals (India) - 350,000 metric tons
  • Nouryon (Netherlands) - 350,000 metric tons
  • Ciech (Poland) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Tronox (USA) - 300,000 metric tons
  • Nirma (India) - 250,000 metric tons
  • Evonik (Germany) - 250,000 metric tons
  • PVS Chemicals (USA) - 200,000 metric tons

The chemicals that are produced from CO2 feedstocks, such as methanol, formic acid, and acetic acid, can also be used as feedstocks for the production of other chemicals. The following is a list of chemicals that are made using these feedstocks:

  1. Dimethyl ether (DME): Dimethyl ether is a chemical that is used as a solvent or fuel, and is also a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as acetic acid, formaldehyde, and propylene.
  2. Ethylene: Ethylene is a chemical that is used in the production of plastics, fibers, and rubber, and is also a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol.
  3. Propylene: Propylene is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as polypropylene, propylene oxide, and acrylonitrile, and is also used in the production of plastics, fibers, and rubber.
  4. Acrylic acid: Acrylic acid is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as acrylic esters, acrylonitrile, and acrylic fibers, and is also used in the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives.
  5. Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, and is also used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and other products.
  6. Ammonia: Ammonia is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as urea, nitric acid, and ammonium nitrate, and is also used as a fertilizer and a refrigerant.
  7. Ethanol: Ethanol is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as ethylene, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid, and is also used as a solvent, a fuel, and a disinfectant.
  8. Glycerol: Glycerol is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as epichlorohydrin, propylene glycol, and nitroglycerin, and is also used in the production of plastics, resins, and personal care products.
  9. Propylene oxide: Propylene oxide is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as propylene glycol, polypropylene oxide, and glycol ethers. It is also used in the production of plastics, resins, and personal care products.
  10. Acrylonitrile: Acrylonitrile is a chemical that is used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals such as acrylic fibers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics, and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). It is also used in the production of plastics, fibers, and rubber.

Chemical companies that use captured carbon to make any of these chemicals

There are a number of chemical companies around the world that are using captured carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock for the production of chemicals. Some examples include:

  1. LanzaTech: LanzaTech is a company that uses captured CO2 to produce ethanol and other chemicals. The company's proprietary technology captures CO2 emissions from industrial facilities and converts them into valuable products using microorganisms.
  2. Carbon Clean Solutions: Carbon Clean Solutions is a company that uses captured CO2 to produce methanol and other chemicals. The company's proprietary technology captures CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities and converts them into valuable products using catalysts.
  3. CRI/Criterion Catalyst Company: CRI/Criterion Catalyst Company is a company that uses captured CO2 to produce methanol and other chemicals. The company's proprietary technology captures CO2 emissions from industrial facilities and converts them into valuable products using catalysts.
  4. Carbon Clean: Carbon Clean is a company that uses captured CO2 to produce methanol and other chemicals. The company's proprietary technology captures CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities and converts them into valuable products using catalysts.
  5. Carbon Clean Solutions: Carbon Clean Solutions is a company that uses captured CO2 to produce methanol and other chemicals. The company's proprietary technology captures CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities and converts them into valuable products using catalysts.

Captured carbon in construction materials

Captured carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used as a feedstock to produce construction materials.

One example of a construction material that can be made using captured CO2 is "green concrete." Green concrete is a type of concrete that is made using captured CO2 as a feedstock. It is produced by capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities and using them as a partial replacement for cement, a key ingredient in concrete. The use of captured CO2 in the production of green concrete can reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete by up to 70%.

Another example of a construction material that can be made using captured CO2 is "warm mix asphalt." Warm mix asphalt is a type of asphalt that is made using captured CO2 as a feedstock. It is produced by capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities and using them as a partial replacement for petroleum-based feedstocks, such as asphalt cement. The use of captured CO2 in the production of warm mix asphalt can reduce the carbon footprint of the asphalt by up to 20%.

In addition to concrete and asphalt, there are several other construction materials that can be made using captured carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock. These materials include:

  1. Insulation: Captured CO2 can be used as a feedstock to produce insulation materials, such as spray foam insulation and rigid foam insulation.
  2. Drywall: Captured CO2 can be used as a feedstock to produce drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard. Drywall is a building material used to construct walls and ceilings.
  3. Plaster: Captured CO2 can be used as a feedstock to produce plaster, a building material used to finish walls and ceilings.
  4. Concrete blocks: Captured CO2 can be used as a feedstock to produce concrete blocks, a building material used to construct walls, foundations, and other structural elements.
  5. Bricks: Captured CO2 can be used as a feedstock for the production of bricks, a building material used to construct walls, foundations, and other structural elements.

Using captured CO2 in insulation materials can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Liquid CO2 and Dry Ice

Direct air carbon capture technology can be used in places like grocery stores and hospitals to produce dry ice, which is a solid form of CO2 used for refrigeration and cooling. This technology captures CO2 directly from the air and converts it into a usable form, such as liquid CO2 or solid CO2. It does this using specialized filters or absorbents and can be used to create dry ice for various applications, including food and medical transportation, special effects, and scientific research.

There are several companies that offer direct air carbon capture technology to produce dry ice, and these technologies are becoming increasingly popular to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the development of low-carbon technologies. However, it is important to note that direct air carbon capture technology is still in the early stages of development, and it is not yet widely available or commercially viable for many applications. More research and development are needed to understand the potential benefits and challenges of using this technology to produce dry ice and other products.

Here are several companies that offer direct air carbon capture technology for the production of liquid CO2 or solid CO2 (dry ice):

  1. Carbon Clean Solutions: Carbon Clean Solutions is a company that offers direct air carbon capture technology for the production of liquid CO2. The company's technology uses a proprietary absorbent material to capture CO2 from the air, and it can be used to produce liquid CO2 for a variety of applications, including food and beverage production, enhanced oil recovery, and refrigeration.
  2. Carbon Engineering: Carbon Engineering is a company that offers direct air carbon capture technology for the production of liquid CO2. The company's technology uses a proprietary absorbent material to capture CO2 from the air, and it can be used to produce liquid CO2 for a variety of applications, including food and beverage production, enhanced oil recovery, and refrigeration.
  3. Climeworks: Climeworks is a company that offers direct air carbon capture technology for the production of liquid CO2. The company's technology uses a proprietary absorbent material to capture CO2 from the air, and it can be used to produce liquid CO2 for a variety of applications, including food and beverage production, enhanced oil recovery, and refrigeration.
  4. Global Thermostat: Global Thermostat is a company that offers direct air carbon capture technology for the production of liquid CO2. The company's technology uses a proprietary absorbent material to capture CO2 from the air, and it can be used to produce liquid CO2 for a variety of applications, including food and beverage production, enhanced oil recovery, and refrigeration.

Electrochemical CO2 conversion

Electrochemical CO2 conversion is a type of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology that involves the use of electricity to convert CO2 into value-added products, such as chemicals and fuels.

In electrochemical CO2 conversion, CO2 is reduced using an electrocatalyst and an electron donor, such as hydrogen, to produce a range of chemical products, including methanol, formic acid, and dimethyl ether. This process can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, making it a potentially carbon-neutral technology for the production of chemicals and fuels. However, the technology is still in the early stages of development and commercialization, and more research and development are needed to optimize the process and make it more cost-effective.

Here is a list of companies that are actively researching and developing electrochemical CO2 conversion technology:

  1. Carbon Clean Solutions: Carbon Clean Solutions is a company that is developing an electrochemical CO2 conversion technology called "CarbonClean." The technology uses renewable electricity to convert CO2 into methanol, which can be used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels.
  2. LanzaTech: LanzaTech is a company that is developing an electrochemical CO2 conversion technology that uses renewable electricity to convert CO2 into ethanol, which can be used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels.
  3. Carbonix: Carbonix is a company that is developing an electrochemical CO2 conversion technology that uses renewable electricity to convert CO2 into formic acid, which can be used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels.
  4. Pivot Bio: Pivot Bio is a company that is developing an electrochemical CO2 conversion technology that uses renewable electricity to convert CO2 into methane, which can be used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels.
  5. Carbon Clean Energy: Carbon Clean Energy is a company that is developing an electrochemical CO2 conversion technology called "CarbonClean." The technology uses renewable electricity to convert CO2 into methanol, which can be used as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels.

Conclusion

As the world seeks ways to combat climate change, researchers are looking into innovative ways to use captured CO2. One possibility is using it to create plastics and other consumer goods. If these technologies prove successful, it's possible that we could see products made with captured CO2 on store shelves in the future.

The chemical industry plays a critical role in the fight against climate change. On one hand, chemical products are necessary for many low-carbon technologies, such as renewable energy, housing, and transportation. On the other hand, chemical production is energy and CO2-intensive, making it a "hard to abate" sector. Reducing emissions from the chemical industry can have a major global impact, as the sector is responsible for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than either the buildings or transport sector. Within the industrial sector, chemical production, along with cement production and metals, are the largest sources of emissions.

The chemical industry also has the potential to contribute to the capture and utilization of CO2. This includes using captured CO2 in the production of chemicals and other products, as well as developing carbon sequestration technologies that can permanently store CO2.

Overall, the chemical industry has a vital role to play in the fight against climate change. While the transformation of the chemical industry will be challenging, the potential CO2 savings make it a challenge worth accepting. By using a multi-pronged approach, including efficiency improvements, breakthrough technologies, and renewable energy, the chemical industry can significantly reduce its GHG emissions and contribute to a climate-neutral future.

Incentives can also play a role in encouraging the development and adoption of low-carbon technologies. Re-evaluating the effectiveness of carbon taxes and considering alternative approaches, such as incentives, can help drive innovation and accelerate the transition to renewables. As we work towards meeting the global demand for energy, it's important to adopt a pragmatic approach that takes into account the current situation and the need to address both current and historical emissions.

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