Thermochemical transformation OF CO2 into high-value products

The significant increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere is anticipated to contribute to global warming and climate instability. Reducing CO2 emission has been set as the goals of numerous recent international initiatives. CO2 conversion into high-value products, including fuel, fuel-chemicals, and building materials, has attracted great attention as it can provide a sustainable and long-term solution to the CO2 problem. Thermochemical conversion processes have been demonstrated as one of the fastest growing CO2 utilization technologies evidenced by a remarkable increase in the number of research publications from 9,375 to 15,750 per year within four years (2020-2023). This review article provides the analysis of thermochemical CO2 transformation technologies based on their final products, in terms of advantages/disadvantages, technology readiness level (TRL), market price, global market size, as well as publication statistics. In addition, the review evaluates potential technical barriers, and offers insightful perspectives, challenges, and recommendation for fostering the growth of the industry. The primary challenges impeding the growth of the market for certain products, such as formic acid, dimethyl ether, syngas, and formaldehyde are mainly associated with the high costs of the technologies involved, which must be lower than those of traditional products to compete in the current market.