Advances in Ionic Liquid Technologies for CO2 Capture and Conversion: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Rising levels of greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂, pose severe threats to ecological and economic systems. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCUS) has emerged as a vital strategy to mitigate these effects. Among various sorbent materials, ionic liquids (ILs) are increasingly recognized for their unique properties such as structural tunability, strong CO₂ affinity, and nonvolatility, making them promising alternatives to conventional solvents in separation and purification processes. This review thoroughly examines the latest advancements in IL-based sorbents for CO₂ capture and utilization. It explores the design and optimization of conventional, functionalized, and supported ILs, discussing the critical factors that influence their CO₂ sorption performance. The paper emphasizes the transformative role of ILs in converting CO₂ into cyclic carbonates and presents effective strategies for greenhouse gas reduction. Additionally, it integrates process simulation insights, combining computational predictions with experimental validation to optimize the design and efficiency of these processes on an industrial scale. This holistic approach not only enhances the understanding of CO₂/ILs processes among researchers but also bridges the gap between laboratory research and industrial application, thereby improving the feasibility and sustainability of IL-based technologies.