In the relentless battle against climate change, scientists are racing to develop technologies that can capture and utilize carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas driving global warming. A comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis published in the journal ‘Molecules’ (Molecules) offers a deep dive into the current state of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, highlighting both the challenges and the promising avenues for scalable solutions.
The study, led by Domingo Cesar Carrascal-Hernández of Universidad del Norte in Colombia, underscores the urgent need for innovation in CO2 capture methods. The research reveals that while significant progress has been made, particularly in the development of functionalized porous materials and biodegradable polymers, the industrial scalability of these technologies remains a critical hurdle. “Despite these advancements, implementing these technologies in industrial sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions remains scarce. This underscores the need for public policies and financing to promote their development and application in these sectors,” Carrascal-Hernández stated.
The review analyzes a range of CO2 capture methods, from traditional absorption and adsorption techniques to cutting-edge materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hydrogels. One notable advancement is the use of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based hydrogels, which have shown remarkable adsorption capacities and thermal stability. These hydrogels can capture up to 4.85 mmol of CO2 per gram of adsorbent, offering a promising solution for managing CO2 emissions from combustion processes.
However, the path to widespread adoption is fraught with challenges. The high financial investment required for CCUS technologies makes them unprofitable in the short term, hindering their scalability. Carrascal-Hernández emphasized the need for an economic framework that incentivizes the development of these technologies, stating, “To facilitate its adoption and scalability, it is essential to promote innovation in this technology and establish an economic framework that incentivizes its development.”
The review also highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing CCUS technologies. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India are leading research efforts in this field, as evidenced by the bibliometric analysis of 903 articles published between 2010 and 2024. This collaborative approach is crucial for optimizing carbon capture and transformation technologies and addressing the economic challenges faced by less developed nations in transitioning to a low-carbon industry.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonize, the development of scalable and cost-effective CO2 capture technologies could revolutionize industries that are currently major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of biodegradable polymer-based technologies and innovative materials like MOFs and hydrogels could pave the way for a more sustainable future, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The study underscores the need for governments to establish funding programs dedicated to the research and development of these innovations. Such support is crucial for accelerating the implementation of sustainable practices and facilitating the widespread adoption of technologies that convert CO2 into valuable resources. This backing would not only benefit the environment but also boost the economy by creating new industrial and commercial opportunities in emerging sectors.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights provided by this review offer a roadmap for future developments in CCUS technologies. By prioritizing materials with high capture capacity, efficient transformation, and valorization of CO2, while promoting circular economy approaches, the industry can position these technologies as key tools in the fight against climate change. The integration of environmentally friendly materials, energy optimization, and sustainable strategies is essential for achieving long-term sustainable development and decarbonizing challenging sectors, such as energy and transportation.
