Electrothermal Carbon Capture and Utilization─A Review

Abstract

The rising carbon footprint has made it crucial to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by adopting carbon capture and utilization processes using solid sorbents. However, traditional techniques face challenges for large-scale deployment because of high energy and oversized separation unit requirements. Electrothermal swing adsorption uses conductive sorbent materials or conductive heating elements (electrodes) coupled to sorbents to induce CO₂ desorption through electrical currents. The electrothermal approach offers energy efficiency and modularity to enhance the economic feasibility and scalability of carbon capture processes. This review examines various materials, including sorbents, heterogeneous catalysts, electrodes, and laboratory-scale advancements through fixed bed reactors for CO₂ capture and parallel wire or open foam systems for CO₂ conversion. The review offers insights into material selection strategies, emphasizing considerations such as porosity, catalyst stability, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the review highlights the importance of an integrated electrothermal CO₂ capture and utilization strategy and future research areas to advance the development of this crucial technology.