CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION (CCU): OPTIMIZATION OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES FOR CONVERTING CO2 INTO VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) has emerged as a critical technology for mitigating climate change by converting CO₂ into valuable products. This study explores the optimization of chemical processes for CO₂ conversion, focusing on electrochemical and thermochemical methods using various catalysts. Cu/Ag hybrid catalysts were evaluated for their electrochemical CO₂ reduction performance, achieving a CO₂ conversion efficiency of 65% and a methane yield of 0.80 mol/mol CO₂, surpassing the performance of individual metal catalysts like copper (55%) and silver (40%). The study also investigates the thermochemical CO₂ reduction process, where the Ni-Ce composite catalyst demonstrated the highest CO yield (0.70 mol/mol CO₂) and hydrogen yield (0.30 mol/mol CO₂), outperforming other metal oxide catalysts such as ceria and iron oxide. The performance of Cu/Ag hybrids as catalysts was evaluated for durability since their operational capability endured across 15 sequential cycles.  The combination of high revenue involvement through $1800/ton product together with $400/ton CO₂ profit demonstrates economic feasibility for large-scale CO₂ utilization according to financial research.  The Ni-Ce composite delivers equal output quantities at a modest profit margin of $250 per ton CO₂ even though the selling price per ton product remains at $250.  The research examines efficient CO₂ use technology design by demonstrating the requirement for balancing catalyst stability and economic affordability as well as performance levels.  The study shows that hybrid catalyst systems may offer an effective solution for sustainable CO₂ conversion to strengthen circular carbon economies while developing real solutions against world climate issues.