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Climate change is a constant global challenge. An approach to help mitigate climate change is carbon capture and utilization (CCU), in which captured CO2 is reused as raw material for consumer products. Because innovations like CCU are unfamiliar to the general public, their communication is critical for a successful rollout. To date, sustainability innovation research has largely neglected the empirical study of communication. The present study contributes to studying the information and communication needs of laypeople based on perceptions and acceptance patterns for CCU by focusing on acceptance profiles for CCU-based insulation boards. In an empirical two-step approach, a qualitative interview prestudy was followed by a quantitative questionnaire measurement (N = 643). Using k-means clustering, the respondents were divided into three acceptance groups: rejecters (15%), tentative accepters (51%), and strong accepters (34%). Analysis showed that regarding their demographics and personality traits, tentative accepters and rejecters were similar. All segments trusted science and health experts best, and only the rejecters distrusted some specific actors. Information on the product's risks and functional properties was most important for all acceptance groups. Based on the study's insights, both general and targeted managerial communication and policy guidelines were formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to limit anthropogenic climate change to 1.5–2 °C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement, requires a significant reduction of CO2 emissions resulting from the use of fossil carbon. However, based on current knowledge, carbon is expected to remain crucial in certain industrial sectors, e.g., the chemical industry. Consequently, it is essential to identify and utilize sustainable carbon sources in the future. In this context, various carbon sources were examined and classified in terms of their disruption of the Earth's (fast) carbon cycle. Furthermore, the examined carbon sources were qualitatively analyzed with regard to their technical readiness level, their energy expenditure, and their current and future availability, as well as legal regulation within the European Union. As a result, only biogenic and mixed carbon from the ambient air can be considered genuinely sustainable within the Earth's (fast) carbon cycle. Mixed carbon streams, e.g., from waste recycling, fall into a gray area. The same applies to certain process-related emissions that originally descend from fossil fuel energy. In terms of energy considerations, technical maturity, and exploitable potentials, prioritizing the utilization of biogenic carbon sources is advisable for the time being, especially for CO2 produced as a by-product originating from biogenic carbon carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Successfully transitioning to a net-zero and circular carbon economy requires adopting innovative technologies and business models to capture CO2 and convert it into valuable chemicals and materials. Given the high economic costs and limited funding available for this transition, robust economic modelling of potential circular carbon pathways is essential to identify economically viable routes. This study introduces a novel techno-economic analysis (TEA) of producing alcohol ethoxylate (AE7), a valuable surfactant, from industrial flue gas. Traditionally, AE7 is produced by reacting fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide derived from fossil or bio-based sources. This research explores a method using CO2 captured from steel industry flue gas to produce AE7, addressing a notable gap in the literature. It evaluates a thermo-catalytic pathway involving Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis with syngas generated by the reverse-water gas-shift reaction, where CO2 reacts with H2. CO2 conversion rates range around 3% across processing capacities of 25 kt/a, 100 kt/a, and 1000 kt/a. The study finds that the CO2 mass fraction concentration in the process emission is 2.47 × 10–5, compared to 0.13 in the incoming flue gas, highlighting the system's positive environmental impact. A radial basis function neural network was built to forecast the long-term average price of fossil-based and bio-based surfactants to benchmark the results against. Economic analysis reveals that the cost of green hydrogen significantly impacts the minimum selling price (MSP), making cost parity with existing fossil-based surfactants challenging. The lowest MSP of $8.77/kg remains above the long-term forecasted price of $3.75/kg for fossil-based C12–14 AE7. However, Monte Carlo simulations show a 21% probability of achieving a positive net present value (NPV) compared to leading bio-based surfactant alternatives. Sensitivity analyses identify capital costs, the price of low-carbon hydrogen (LCOH), and diesel prices as the most influential factors affecting the MSP. Continued advancements in Fischer-Tropsch catalyst technologies, reductions in green hydrogen costs and growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products could significantly enhance the economic feasibility of this sustainable approach, paving the way for broader adoption and contributing to a circular carbon economy.

The achievement of global climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement represents a critical challenge in the coming decades. Certain industry sectors cannot completely avoid all emissions from their processes. In this context, the term unavoidable or Hard-to-abate emissions is used. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are recognized as essential components for addressing those emissions to achieve Net Zero Emissions. To identify effective Carbon Management Strategies, balancing future CO2 sources and possible sinks for achieving long-term climate targets is essential. Especially in Austria hardly any comprehensive studies have been carried out. This work presents a comprehensive analysis of Austria's CO2 point sources as well as their projected development until 2050 based on technology-based scenarios. Geological CO2 storage in Austria is primarily feasible in former hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers. Future demands for CO2 as CCU feedstock will arise in the chemical industry. By 2050, industry will emit approximately 4 Million tons (Mt) of unavoidable CO2 annually. These emissions must be stored in the long term and correspond to the minimum demand for CCS. Fugitive emissions from agriculture, for example, cannot be captured. Thus, they are not subject of CCU/S measures. Negative emissions are therefore necessary to achieve the climate targets. These negative emissions and the possible use of CO2 as feedstock are covered by biogenic CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MIL-101(Cr), a class of metal-organic framework, is a potential candidate for CO2 capture applications because of its high capacity of adsorption and separation capability. However, the intrinsic microporous structure of this nanomaterial poses limitations on its adsorption kinetics. Techniques employed to enhance its adsorption kinetics often adversely impact its adsorption capacity at equilibrium. Herein, as a new approach, we prepared amine-functionalized FAC@MIL-101(Cr) composites with adjustable micro-mesoporous structure and tunable nitrogen content by embedding different ratios of amine-functionalized activated carbon throughout the framework of MIL-101(Cr). This led to a simultaneous improvement in both kinetics and adsorption capacity for CO2. The best adsorbent, FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr), has excellent textural properties with a high surface area (1763.1 m2.g−1), great pore volume (1.29 cm3.g−1), and suitable nitrogen content (4.7 wt%). The adsorption analysis revealed that the modification of MIL-101(Cr) improved its CO2 adsorption capacity from 3.21 to 5.27 mmol/g under standard conditions of 1 bar and 25 °C. Furthermore, the FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr) adsorbent demonstrated fast CO2 adsorption kinetics (three times more relative to the pure MIL-101(Cr)), high CO2/N2 selectivity, and remarkable cyclic stability. The results confirmed that hybridization enhanced the polarizability of FAC@MIL-101(Cr) samples, causing more robust CO2-adsorbent surface interactions. Simultaneously, the existence of mesopores in the structure facilitated the transport of CO2 into the interior pores, resulting in a more efficient contact of CO2 molecules with all of the amine sites and a faster adsorption rate as well as more efficient regeneration. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, hybridization process induces significant changes in composites’ electronic structure, enhancing their capacity to interact with CO2 molecules more effectively. On the other hand, DFT calculations confirm that N2 molecule is less activated on the FAC@MIL-101(Cr) as evidenced by calculated small adsorption energy and charge-transfer values.

Abstract Integrated energy system (IES) is one of the ways to realize energy saving and emission reduction. Facing the crisis of fossil energy depletion and the challenge of global warming, low‐carbon technology and market economic guidance mechanism have an important impact on the low‐carbon operation of integrated energy system (IES). In this study, IES with carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology is established, the carbon emission model based on life cycle theory is built for the input energy and energy system of IES, and the ladder carbon trading mechanism is considered in the market economy to establish the low‐carbon economic optimization model of IESs. A system combining carbon capture technology and power to gas can effectively consume new energy sources and provide energy dispatch flexibility. The ability to capture greenhouse gases generated by energy units reduces the system's carbon emissions. Based on the IES low carbon economy model, the model is analyzed with examples to analyze the correlation between different carbon trading prices and IES low carbon economy transport. We analyze the impact of CCU technology inputs on the low‐carbon nature of IES. The study proposes an IES dispatching model based on life cycle assessment and CCU technology to provide a new strategy for the operation of IESs and a new method for other energy systems to reduce low carbon emissions.

Integrated energy system (IES) is one of the ways to realize energy saving and emission reduction. Facing the crisis of fossil energy depletion and the challenge of global warming, low‐carbon technology and market economic guidance mechanism have an important impact on the low‐carbon operation of integrated energy system (IES). In this study, IES with carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology is established, the carbon emission model based on life cycle theory is built for the input energy and energy system of IES, and the ladder carbon trading mechanism is considered in the market economy to establish the low‐carbon economic optimization model of IESs. A system combining carbon capture technology and power to gas can effectively consume new energy sources and provide energy dispatch flexibility. The ability to capture greenhouse gases generated by energy units reduces the system's carbon emissions. Based on the IES low carbon economy model, the model is analyzed with examples to analyze the correlation between different carbon trading prices and IES low carbon economy transport. We analyze the impact of CCU technology inputs on the low‐carbon nature of IES. The study proposes an IES dispatching model based on life cycle assessment and CCU technology to provide a new strategy for the operation of IESs and a new method for other energy systems to reduce low carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable methanol has potential to be a key vector for attaining net zero emissions by providing a pathway to carbon neutrality for the value chains of carbon intensive industries with hard to abate emissions. To deliver an accurate assessment of feasibility, it is critical to understand the integrated operation and economies of the connected generation and conversion technologies that make up Power-to-Methanol (PtM) pathways. Given the highly variable nature of renewable energy (RE) and green hydrogen generation, it is also important to consider the need for feedstock and energy buffers to achieve reliable operation. Herein, we developed a globally applicable open-source cost framework consisting of a farm-to-gate model of Power-to-Methanol (PtM) populated with performance and cost functions from process simulation, recent literature, and industry consultation. This open-source tool was developed to evaluate PtM projects at various scales and locations, utilizing different recycled carbon feedstock sources, with a range of renewable power generation and electrolyser configurations, as well as balancing technologies including intermediate feedstock and power storage options. A key feature of the tool is the ability to analyse and optimize the incorporation of these balancing technologies. By using present cost estimates and defining design constraints to maintain operational viability, we apply this framework to map out the economies of PtM for potentially suitable Australian and international locations as case studies. The study estimates indicative levelized cost of methanol (LC MeOH) of 1360 A$/t MeOH and 1710 A$/t MeOH corresponding to PtM including CO 2 sourced from industrial flue gas (IFG) and direct air capture (DAC) respectively. While the case studies analysed in this work consist mainly of Australian locations, the open-source tool is applicable for other global locations as demonstrated by the cases evaluated for PtM in Chile and Germany. The tool presented here aims to serve as a customisable framework to support the assessment, optimization, and deployment of commercial scale e-methanol projects. • Open-source cost tool for assessment of economic viability of e-methanol projects. • Visualize local methanol generation based on time series renewable trace data. • Define custom costing and operational parameters for tailored generation costs. • Assess the impact of renewable intermittency to optimize configuration performance. • Estimate farm-to-gate and farm-to-grave direct and embedded emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a techno-economic assessment of a novel ethylene oxide (EO) production process, which converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water electrocatalytically to ethylene (C2H4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which are further synthesized into EO. To ensure environmental sustainability, the primary focus was on available CO2 from biogenic sources (biomethane and bioethanol plants) and renewable power sources (wind and photovoltaics) for decentralized applications. Accordingly, data on existing European CO2 and renewable power sources were compiled for spatial analysis to develop technology roll-out and exploitation scenarios: 175 suitable locations were identified. Focusing on three locations, the production costs of EO and the product mix were calculated, considering various energy sources and plant configurations (as of 2030 and 2040). For a generic scenario, considering CO2 to be available free of cost (existing biomethane upgrading) and electricity cost of 36€/MWh, the production cost of the product mix (EO, H2O2, methane, hydrogen) amount to 0.86 €/kg. This is at a similar order of magnitude as assessments on other Power-to-X value chains. Assuming that EO is the only utilizable product, the costs increase to 5.78 €/kg, which is significantly higher than for fossil alternatives. According to the sensitivity analysis, energy efficiency, electricity prices, and capital expenditure are the most relevant factors. Regarding the latter, an extended plant lifetime is a crucial factor.

The cultivation of microalgae for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) emerged as sustainable and effective platform to reduce GHGS and produce valuable biomass. In the study, systematic comparison of two identical algal photo-bioreactors (PBRw and PBRp), with white and purple led lights respectively, has been implemented. Carbon removals up to 98% has been obtained, with PBRp supporting enhanced cultivation conditions, higher CO2 removals and increased biomass production (up to 855 mg d−1 of dry algal biomass). The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed solutions as sustainable strategy to increase the applicability of algal photo-bioreactors for carbon capture and utilization.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) has substantial potential for carbon capture and utilization (CCU), aiming to produce carbon-neutral fuels and valuable chemical feedstocks. Copper (Cu) is recognized as the primary metal catalyst capable of facilitating C-C coupling and producing multi-carbon compounds. The tandem catalyst approach, particularly the oxide-derived Cu (OD-Cu)-based tandem catalyst, has been reported to improve the selectivity for multicarbon compounds such as ethylene and ethanol. However, the impact of the loading structure of the CO-producing catalyst in the tandem catalyst on CO 2 RR performance has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we developed Au nanoparticles with different sizes and loading densities on Cu 2 O and investigated their CO 2 RR properties. Tandem catalysts featuring smaller Au nanoparticles exhibited increased activity in the electrochemical CO 2 RR, resulting in an anodic shift in the potential. Improved Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) and partial current densities (PCDs) of C 2+ were also observed for tandem catalysts with smaller Au nanoparticles. Remarkably, the FE and PCD of n-propanol increased as the coverage of Au nanoparticles increased, in contrast to those of C 2 products such as ethylene and ethanol. The effectiveness of the tandem effect depends on the increase in local CO concentration facilitated by the CO-generating catalyst on the confined OD-Cu surface. Our research presents a strategy for constructing a productive tandem structure for the CO 2 RR. [Display omitted] • Fabricating smaller secondary metal nanoparticles is crucial for enhancing the tandem effect in CO 2 reduction owing to the high local CO concentration. • Increasing the amount of the Au-Cu interface is key to synthesizing C 3 products such as n-propanol. • A close distance between the C 1 and C 2+ active sites is essential for facilitating CO spillover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significantly increased global greenhouse gas emissions from aviation make the decarbonization of the aviation sector an urgent demand to combat climate change. One technical approach is the usage of Carbon Capture and Utilization technologies (CCU) to re-use CO2 as raw material and to produce CO2-based aviation fuels. As the social readiness is an essential component for a successful roll-out, this study investigates acceptance and behavioral usage intentions regarding CO2-based aviation fuels. We applied an empirical quantitative online questionnaire in four European countries (Spain, Norway, Netherlands, and Germany, N = 2,187). To get a comprehensive overview of the factors that predict social readiness, data on relevant impact factors were collected, including sociodemographic factors, awareness, attitudinal factors (innovation cautiousness, environmental awareness, flight shame), flight behavior as well as evaluations in terms of benefit and risk perceptions of CO2-based fuels. Employing hierarchical regression analyses we identified the impact of individual factors and fuel-related perceptions on the acceptance of and the willingness to use CO2-based aviation fuels. For the prediction of CO2-based fuel acceptance, benefit perceptions were the strongest predictor, followed by environmental awareness, risk perceptions, interest, and flight shame. For the behavioral intention to fly with CO2-based fuels, benefit perceptions showed the strongest impact, followed by environmental awareness, interest, and risk perceptions about technical quality and -maturity as well as health- and environmental risks. This was valid for all four European countries under study, even though there were also national differences: Norwegian respondents showed the lowest interest in and knowledge of CO2-based aviation fuels and the lowest acceptance. Spanish respondents reported the highest acceptance, while acceptance scores of German and Dutch residents ranged in between. Overall, the findings provide a pan-European insight into the social readiness for CO2-based aviation fuels and its determinants, providing targeted information on public adoption conditions and requirements for Carbon Capture and Utilization technology developers and the aviation industry.

Environmental sustainability assessments have been conducted around consumer goods since the 1960's, these adopted comparative approaches and followed no accepted methodology. As sustainability assessment rose to prominence, methodological standardization was universally called for. Furthermore, two additional “strands” of sustainability emerged, economic and societal; forming what has recently been termed the “triple helix”. Efforts have been made across the CCU (carbon capture and utilization) community to align, or “harmonize”, the respective assessment formats. Ultimately, targeting enhanced understanding of the interconnections and trade-offs between the three strands, and communication of findings to both industry and policymakers. This review examines key methodologies presented in the field. These were collated through targeted literature searches, focussing on standalone, CCU specific, and harmonized methodologies. Relevant guidance originates with ISO's 2007 standards and terminates in McCord et al's (2021) “triple helix framework”. Other key works reviewed include UNEP / SETAC's S-LCA (social life cycle assessment) guidelines, and GCIs (Global CO2 Initiative) integrated LCA and TEA (techno-economic assessment) guidelines. Analysis of the identified methodologies first considers each assessment strand in isolation, subsequently evaluating efforts toward their CDU specific harmonization and integration. Using the collated primary and secondary literature, a taxonomy of assessment methodologies leading to the triple helix framework is produced. Key methodological difficulties and divergent schools of thought are discussed, notably the prescription of system boundaries, impact indicators, and characterization methods. The overarching conclusion of the review is that while a robust combined LCA and TEA assessment methodology has been attained, holistic approaches incorporating social sustainability are still lacking; with substantial problems remaining unsolved. A majority of these originate from SIA's immaturity relative to LCA and TEA, causing issues around data availability and handling methods; exacerbated by the presence of qualitative data. Until a greater degree of maturity is achieved, SIA should be utilized within holistic assessments as a screening tool, determining the suitability of a process or system for more granular assessment.

The direct activation of diluted CO2 in argon was studied in a co-axial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor powered by photovoltaic energy. The influence of the initial CO2 and argon concentration on the CO2 decomposition to form CO was investigated using a copper-based catalyst in the discharge zone. It was observed that the CO2 conversion was higher at lower CO2 concentrations. The presence of the diluent gas (argon) was also studied and it was observed how it has a high influence on the decomposition of CO2, improving the conversion at high argon concentrations. At the highest observed energy efficiency (1.7%), the CO2 conversion obtained was 40.2%. It was observed that a way to enhance the sustainability of the process was to use photovoltaic energy. Taking into account a life cycle assessment approach (LCA), it was estimated that within the best-case scenario, it would be feasible to counterbalance 97% of the CO2 emissions related to the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic CO 2 hydrogenation using green hydrogen is a promising approach for mitigating CO 2 emissions and utilizing CO 2 as a feedstock. While Fe-based catalysts produce long-chain hydrocarbons under high-pressure CO 2 hydrogenation reactions, the C 2+ hydrocarbon yield tends to be insufficient at low-pressure conditions over the catalyst. This study reports the enhancement of light olefin selectivity of CO 2 hydrogenation over Fe-based catalysts at low pressure via nanoscale hybridization with manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) oxides. The resulting hybridized catalyst exhibited distinctive performance in terms of CO 2 hydrogenation to light olefins at relatively low pressure (0.7 MPa) in terms of CO 2 conversion rate and C 2 –C 4 yield with high olefin rates. Mn and Zn incorporation in Fe oxide decreased the reduction temperature, forming more Fe carbide phase. CO 2 adsorption capability at relevant temperatures seems to be improved when Mn and Zn are present. This mixed oxide precatalyst approach can be extended to other elements. [Display omitted] • Fe, Mn and Zn nanohybrid catalysts were synthesized via reduction of Spinel-type Mn x Zn (2-x) Fe 4 O 8 with different Mn/Zn ratio. • The optimized catalyst, Mn 1.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 4 O 8 , exhibited 50.5 % selectivity toward C 2 –C 4 products at a CO 2 conversion of 26.6 %. • Reaction orders of both H 2 and CO 2 over Mn 1.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 4 O 8 , were uniquely ∼ 0.5th, indicating their non-competitive adsorption. • The optimized catalyst, Mn 1.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 4 O 8 , exhibited significantly superior durability over 60 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 hydrogenation technology is pivotal for achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals by curbing carbon dioxide emissions and enabling new value chains. Traditional CO 2 hydrogenation systems face challenges like excessive unreacted gas cycling and inefficient component usage. This study employed direct CO 2 hydrogenation for methanol production, and integrated the chemical looping combustion (CLC) concept to enhance energy efficiency and carbon cycle utilization in methanol-electricity production. The proposed method has yielded remarkable results, attaining an exergy efficiency of 57.72 %, with CO 2 equivalent emissions at 0.27 kg CO 2 / kg CH 3 OH . Furthermore, it has demonstrated a reduction of approximately 9.60 % in energy consumption and an impressive 83.63 % decrease in carbon emissions compared to the reference system. Exergoenvironmental analysis was conducted for the entire process and individual units. The results indicated superior environmental performance of the cogeneration system compared to the single-production system when the recycling ratio of unreacted gas (Ru) ranged from 1.64 to 2.72. Furthermore, CLC was identified as a key area requiring optimization within the system and determined by the values of r b , k and B ˙ D , k . This observation remains consistent even as Ru changes. The system showcases significant potential in thermodynamics and environmental sustainability, and lays a theoretical foundation and innovative perspective for CO 2 utilization technologies. • The system for environmentally friendly conversion of CO 2 to CH 3 OH has been proposed. • The exergy efficiency of this process is 57.72 % with a 99.2 % carbon capture rate. • Energy consumption is decreased by 26.08 % compared to a single production system. • When Ru > 1.64, this system offers better environmental benefits than single production system. • A comprehensive evaluation of exergoenvironmental assessment is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gas fermentation in state-of-the-art bioreactor on CO 2 , H 2 , and O 2 with C. necator • Non-explosive conditions by operating below the limiting O 2 concentration (LOC) • Elevated pressure to improve the gas-to-liquid transfer rate prolongs growth. • Enhanced production up to 29.6 g/L CO 2 -based PHB at 0.45 g/L/h • Boosted PHB production is in line with the theoretical calculations up to 3 bar CO 2 -based poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) can be produced by the versatile bacterium Cupriavidus necator through chemolithoautotrophic fermentation, using a gas mixture consisting of CO 2 , H 2 , and O 2. Despite offering a propitious route for carbon–neutral bioplastic manufacturing, its adoption is currently hampered by the wide explosive range of the required gas mixture, as well as the limited gas-to-liquid mass transfer rates. To address these challenges, pressure fermentation was applied as a robust and effective strategy, while ensuring safe operation by adhering to the limiting O 2 concentration, utilizing state-of-the-art bioreactors. Consequently, exponential growth could be prolonged, boosting CO 2 -based PHB production from 10.8 g/L at 1.5 bar up to 29.6 g/L at 3 bar. The production gain closely aligns with the theoretical calculations, except for when the pressure was increased up to 4 bar. Overall, the demonstrated increase in PHB production underscores the potential of pressure fermentation to enhance aerobic gas fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest on the creation of sustainable value has recently increased as a response to global issues caused by traditional business-as-usual logic. Indeed, corporations pursuing profits and competitive advantage at the expense of social and environmental resources has become a source of pressing concern and institutionalized unsustainability needs to be reversed. To create sustainable value, a paradigm shift is required in who benefits from value creation: beyond customers, suppliers, and business partners, value should be created for an expanded range of stakeholders including governmental and non-governmental entities, local communities, and future generations. This study refers to unique value creation derived from business modeling for sustainability and the stakeholder theory perspective as a theoretical lens for understanding how sustainable shared value is created in the context of carbon capture and utilization. Using an exploratory, in-depth single case study of a microalgae cultivation project, the study gathers empirical evidence to show how engaging stakeholders around a common purpose can serve as a path to open new business opportunities for sustainable shared value. This study challenges the Friedman's assertion of shareholder profits and shows evidence of the power of creating shared value if a company adopts a purpose beyond profits. Through empirical findings on how embedding a sustainable purpose at the core can lead to business opportunities that provide shared value for multiple stakeholders, it outlines how a company can obtain value propositions that cater to economic, environmental, and societal balance in the drive to move toward a more sustainable society. This study thus contributes to the growing body of empirical literature on creating shared value and business models for sustainability. The findings are also relevant for various industry practitioners, presenting insights on sustainable value creation and business modeling for an industry plagued by high emissions and stakeholder pressure to do good.

To realize their full sustainability potential, carbon dioxide utilization technologies (carbon capture and utilization/CCU) presently require policy support. Consequently, they require acceptance among a variety of stakeholders in industry, policy making, and in the public sphere alike. While CO2 utilization is already a topic of discourse among these stakeholders, there is a lack of common terminology to describe such technologies. On the contrary: The present article shows that terminology in the field of CO2 utilization technologies is currently used inconsistently, and that different designations such as CCU, CCUS, or CDR convey different meanings and contexts. These ambiguities may cause communication problems with regard to policy making, funding proposals, and especially in public discourse. In order to initiate and accompany a goal-oriented and knowledge-based debate on CO2 utilization technologies in the future, actors in the field are asked to question their own choices of terminology and to assess its accuracy. Acronyms and technical abbreviations are the chief cause of potential misunderstandings, and so should be avoided whenever possible or else include a brief explanation. Consistent and precise use of terminology will facilitate transparent dialogue concerning CO2 utilization in the future.

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is the process of capturing unwanted carbon dioxide (CO2) and utilizing for further use. CCU offers significant potential as part of a sustainable circular economy solution to help mitigate the impact of climate change resulting from the burning of hydrocarbons and alongside adoption of other renewable energy technologies. However, implementation of CCU technologies faces a number of challenges, including identifying optimal pathways, technology maturity, economic viability, environmental considerations as well as regulatory and public perception issues. Consequently, this research study provides a critical analysis and evaluation of the technology pathways for CCU in order to explore the potential from a circular economy perspective of this emerging area of clean technology. This includes a bibliographic study on CCU, evaluation of carbon utilization processes, trend estimation of CO2 usage as well as evaluation of methane and methanol production. A value chain analysis is provided to support the development of CCU technologies. The research study aims to inform policy-makers engaged in developing strategies to mitigate climate change through reduced carbon dioxide emission levels and improve our understanding of the circular economy considerations of CCU in regard to production of alternative products. The study will also be of use to researchers concerned with pursuing empirical investigations of this important area of sustainability.

Population growth and urbanization over the coming decades are anticipated to drive unprecedented demand for infrastructure materials and energy resources. Unfortunately, factors such as the degree of resource consumption, the energy-intensive nature of production, and the chemical-reaction driven emissions make infrastructure materials production industries among the greatest contributors to anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Yet there is an often-overlooked potential environmental benefit to infrastructure materials: most remain in use for decades and their long service lives can facilitate extended storage of carbon. In this perspective, we present an overview of recent technological advancements that can support infrastructure materials acting as a global, distributed carbon sink and discuss areas for further research and development. We present mechanisms to quantify the extent to which the embodied carbon will be removed from the carbon cycle for a long enough period of time to provide carbon sequestration and climate benefit. We conclude that it is possible to unlock the vast potential to engineer a carbon sequestration system that simultaneously meets societal need for expanding infrastructure systems; however, complexities in how these systems are engineered must be systematically and quantitatively incorporated into materials design.

[Display omitted] • Traditional and CDU pathways were evaluated multi-dimensionally. • The MFA-LCA-TEA coupled model was conducted with industrial data in China. • 23 pathways and 7 chemicals were covered for systematic analysis. • Low-carbon strategies increase the comprehensive competitiveness of CDU pathways. • CO 2 emissions and economic growth can be decoupled for sustainable chemical production. Carbon dioxide utilization (CDU) for chemical production is beneficial for achieving carbon neutrality and constructing an artificial carbon cycle. However, the industrialization of CDU technology is facing the concerns about environmental impacts, energy consumption and economic effects. To better illustrate the comprehensive performances of CDU technology and optimize chemical production, this study conducts a multi-dimensional evaluation on CDU and traditional pathways following a scenario-based optimization, which covers 23 pathways for 7 identified bulk chemicals. The results reveal that ethanol is the most suitable chemical to be transitioned preferentially and produced with CDU technology based on China's current technology level. The development of electro-catalytic conversion may benefit CDU pathways especially for oxirane. The results of scenario analysis reveal that the competitivity and priority of various pathways may change significantly with the deployment of low-carbon strategies. Then the results of conditional optimization reveal that the transition of chemical production pattern motivated by CDU may significantly impact on resource consumption and technology proportion, which brings about an increase of 680 % in H 2 consumption. The transition may also decouple the relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth, which drives the production emissions to drop from 193 Mt/year to −27 Mt/year and carbon intensity to drop from 80 t/104 USD to −8 t/104 USD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MIL-101(Cr), a class of metal-organic framework, is a potential candidate for CO 2 capture applications because of its high capacity of adsorption and separation capability. However, the intrinsic microporous structure of this nanomaterial poses limitations on its adsorption kinetics. Techniques employed to enhance its adsorption kinetics often adversely impact its adsorption capacity at equilibrium. Herein, as a new approach, we prepared amine-functionalized FAC@MIL-101(Cr) composites with adjustable micro-mesoporous structure and tunable nitrogen content by embedding different ratios of amine-functionalized activated carbon throughout the framework of MIL-101(Cr). This led to a simultaneous improvement in both kinetics and adsorption capacity for CO 2. The best adsorbent, FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr), has excellent textural properties with a high surface area (1763.1 m2.g−1), great pore volume (1.29 cm3.g−1), and suitable nitrogen content (4.7 wt%). The adsorption analysis revealed that the modification of MIL-101(Cr) improved its CO 2 adsorption capacity from 3.21 to 5.27 mmol/g under standard conditions of 1 bar and 25 °C. Furthermore, the FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr) adsorbent demonstrated fast CO 2 adsorption kinetics (three times more relative to the pure MIL-101(Cr)), high CO 2 /N 2 selectivity, and remarkable cyclic stability. The results confirmed that hybridization enhanced the polarizability of FAC@MIL-101(Cr) samples, causing more robust CO 2 -adsorbent surface interactions. Simultaneously, the existence of mesopores in the structure facilitated the transport of CO 2 into the interior pores, resulting in a more efficient contact of CO 2 molecules with all of the amine sites and a faster adsorption rate as well as more efficient regeneration. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, hybridization process induces significant changes in composites' electronic structure, enhancing their capacity to interact with CO 2 molecules more effectively. On the other hand, DFT calculations confirm that N 2 molecule is less activated on the FAC@MIL-101(Cr) as evidenced by calculated small adsorption energy and charge-transfer values. • Anovel hybride of MIL-(Cr) with mesopore and amine function, enhanced CO 2 adsorption capacity and kinetics. • With Addeding of FAC to MIL-101(Cr), tuning of textural properties were obtaind. • Amine site accesibilty with mespore cause 70% improvment in CO 2 Adsorption. • Exceptional adsorption kinetics and cyclic stability were achieved due to mesoproe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) has been recognized as an important means of mitigating global climate change, but apart from several pilots, it has not yet been successfully implemented on the large scale needed to live up to the expectations as a mitigation method. In Netherlands, the option of CCS has been the subject of debate for a long time, as three unsuccessful projects – two onshore in Barendrecht and the Northern regions, and one offshore near the Port of Rotterdam – demonstrate. Nevertheless, CCS has been accorded an important place in the current Dutch climate policies, being expected to contribute up to 7 Megaton of CO2 reduction. This is reflected in a fresh crop of CCS project plans. For the most, these plans have a long way to go from the drawing board to actual operations due to the technical, economic, legal and societal challenges ahead. In this article we review the status and possibilities of CCS in Netherlands based on an analysis of existing literature in the relevant disciplines. First, a brief overview of the technology options for carbon capture and storage or utilization is given. This is followed by a detailed analysis of the governmental support for CCS, given the vital role that fit-for-purpose legal frameworks and policy instruments will play in CCS deployment. Technical, legal and policy uncertainties translates into factors inhibiting CCS investment and so the paper then presents a CCS investment project to illustrate how such risks affect the business case for CCS. Finally, bearing in mind that societal acceptance has proved to be a major barrier for CCS, both in Netherlands and elsewhere, the conditions that enhance public acceptance of CCS are examined. Our work shows that while CCS is technically a straightforward proposition, its deployment has historically been hindered by the lack of a sound business case and a compelling and stable socio-technical narrative. The main argument in favor of CCS today is that it offers a transition pathway for rapidly and massively reducing CO2 emissions beyond what could be accomplished by alternative methods like electrification and renewable fuels in near future. The introduction of new financial instruments, increased government support and an improvement in social engagement appear to have enhanced the prospects of CCS in Netherlands, but we feel it is premature to assume that this time everything is different.

Global demand for both clean energy carriers and agricultural nutrients continues to grow rapidly, alongside increasing quantities of waste globally, interlinked challenges that may be addressed with interlinked solutions. We report on the potential efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) intensity of several configurations of a new, sustainability-driven ammonia (NH3) production processes to determine whether a waste-based process designed first around carbon dioxide (CO2) capture can compete with other available NH3 technologies. This is assessed via different scenarios: Two hydrogen generating options are paired with four CO2 fates. For either an anaerobic digestion-centered process or a two-stage dark fermentation coupled with anaerobic digestion process, the resultant CO2 may be captured and injected, sold to the marketplace, released directly in the atmosphere, or converted to urea in order to produce a green substitute for synthetic NH3. Modeled yields range from 47 t NH3 when the resultant CO2 is released or captured, or 3.8 t NH3 and 76.5 t urea when the system is designed to produce no unutilized CO2. Among the technologies assessed, NH3 production where CO2 is captured for anaerobic digestion-only is the most efficient for GHG emissions and water consumption, while the two-stage requires less energy on a fertilizer-N basis. GHG emissions for anaerobic digestion-only are approximately 8% lower than the two-stage. The best of the proposed technology configurations consumes about 41% less energy than water electrolysis coupled with Haber-Bosch and approximately 27% lower energy than Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) coupled with Haber-Bosch per kg NH3.

One of the most promising approaches to address the global challenge of climate change is electrochemical carbon capture and utilization. Solid electrolytes can play a crucial role in establishing a chemical-free pathway for the electrochemical capture of CO 2 . Furthermore, they can be applied in electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction reactions (CO 2 RR) to increase carbon utilization, produce high-purity liquid chemicals, and advance hybrid electro-biosystems. This review article begins by covering the fundamentals and processes of electrochemical CO 2 capture, emphasizing the advantages of utilizing solid electrolytes. Additionally, it highlights recent advancements in the use of the solid polymer electrolyte or solid electrolyte layer for the CO 2 RR with multiple functions. The review also explores avenues for future research to fully harness the potential of solid electrolytes, including the integration of CO 2 capture and the CO 2 RR and performance assessment under realistic conditions. Finally, this review discusses future opportunities and challenges, aiming to contribute to the establishment of a green and sustainable society through electrochemical CO 2 valorization.

Sugarcane is the most produced agricultural commodity in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is primarily used for the production of sugar and ethanol. The latter is mostly used to produce alcoholic beverages as well as low carbon biofuel. Despite well-established production chains, their respective residues and by-products present unexploited potentials for further product portfolio diversification. These fully or partially untapped product streams are a) sugarcane trash or straw that usually remain on the fields after mechanized harvest, b) ashes derived from bagasse combustion in cogeneration plants, c) filter cake from clarification of the sugarcane juice, d) vinasse which is the liquid residue after distillation of ethanol, and e) biogenic CO2 emitted during bagasse combustion and ethanol fermentation. The development of innovative cascading processes using these residual biomass fractions could significantly reduce final disposal costs, improve the energy output, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and extend the product portfolio of sugarcane mills. This study reviews not only the state-of-the-art sugarcane biorefinery concepts, but also proposes innovative ways for further valorizing residual biomass. This study is therefore structured in four main areas, namely: i) Cascading use of organic residues for carboxylates, bioplastic, and bio-fertilizer production, ii) recovery of unexploited organic residues via anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, iii) valorization of biogenic CO2 sources, and iv) recovery of silicon from bagasse ashes.

The combination of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) and water electrolysis technologies can be used for the production of basic chemicals from carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen. Here, we present a life cycle assessment (LCA) on a cradle-to-gate basis for the production of the following large volume organic chemicals: methanol, ethylene, propylene, benzene, toluene, and mixed xylenes. Investigated process chains comprise the following technologies: CO2 capture from an industrial point-source or from the atmosphere through direct air capture (DAC); alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production; methanol synthesis; methanol-to-olefins and methanol-to-aromatics synthesis including aromatics separation. Electricity is supplied by offshore wind turbines. The system boundary includes all relevant processes from cradle to gate. A scenario was set up by exchanging the background processes for the production of important infrastructure materials like aluminum, copper, steel, and concrete with future processes that are less resource intensive, less carbon intensive and include higher recycling rates (e.g., electric arc furnaces for steel production). LCA results show that the synthesis of the investigated chemicals from CCU processes will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 88–97%, compared to fossil-based production routes, when electricity from offshore wind turbines is used. At the same time, other environmental impacts like eutrophication and ozone depletion will increase. The main contributors to the environmental impacts are the energy supply for water electrolysis and direct air capture. Replacement of all plants for the production of the investigated products in Germany with CCU processes would lead to a 2–7% higher total primary energy demand for the whole country. At the same time, an overall reduction of the German GHG emissions by 6% is achieved, when using offshore wind power for these processes only. The future scenario using improved background technologies leads to a further small reduction of GHG emissions and largely reduces other environmental impacts. We therefore identify the reduction of emissions through improved base material production processes and recycling of aluminum, copper, steel and concrete as main objectives to reduce negative impacts for the production of basic chemicals from CCU technologies.

Novel catalytic systems should be tested for the valorization of CO 2 through the Sabatier reaction, since this process is gaining great importance within strategic sectors of the chemical industry. Therefore, this work explores the feasibility of structuring a catalyst (0.5%Ru–15%Ni/MgAl 2 O 4) for CO 2 methanation using metal micromonoliths. The coating of the catalyst over the surface of the micromonoliths is carried out by means of the washcoating procedure and different characterization techniques are applied to establish possible changes in the catalyst during structuring. Regarding the performance in the Sabatier reaction, the structured systems are tested as well as the powder catalyst in order to establish the possible effects of the structuring processes. For this, variables such as catalyst loading, space velocity, inclusion of water in the feed-stream and the pressurization of the process were studied. In general, the structuring of the proposed catalyst by the reported procedure is absolutely feasible. There are no substantial changes in the main features of the catalyst and this means that its catalytic performance is not altered after the structuring process either. Furthermore, the structured system exhibits high stability in a long-term test and is comparable with other CO 2 methanation catalysts reported in research to date. Image 1 • Micromonoliths were successfully coated with 0.5 wt% Ru-15 wt% Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst. • Structuring process slightly affects the catalyst and its catalytic performances. • Heat mass transport limitations rather than mass ones could be assumed. • Structured catalysts show a considerable water tolerance. • The structured catalyst exhibited high stability in a long-term test (100 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modeling of public acceptance of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) in Germany based on a representative online survey (n = 509). • Identification of specific CCU risk perception dimensions. • General CCU acceptance is based on affective and cognitive benefit perceptions. • Local CCU acceptance is formed by affective and cognitive risk perceptions, especially health and environmental risks. • Perceived uncontrollability of CCU impacts the formation of CCU perceptions and acceptance. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) as low-carbon technology has the potential to reduce the use of fossil resources and CO 2 -emissions. Public protests against Carbon Capture and Storage showed that a successful rollout of low-carbon technologies requires social acceptance. The present study explores the relationship between risk and benefit perceptions and the perceived uncontrollability of the technology to predict the general and local acceptance of CCU, based on structural equation modeling. Perceived benefits (savings of fossil resources and CO 2 -emissions) were positively associated with affective benefit evaluations, which were the highest predictors of general CCU-acceptance. Risk perceptions were positively related to affective risk evaluations, which predicted local CCU-acceptance. Perceived uncontrollability was negatively related to CCU-perceptions and acceptance. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between perceived uncontrollability, risk and benefit perceptions, and resulting social acceptance of CCU. Implications to promote a socially acceptable deployment of low-carbon technologies were derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Designed a novel process aimed at CO 2 conversion to methanol. • Water electrolysis is combined with tri-reforming of methane to generate syngas. • The designed methanol plant has a net energy efficiency of 62 %. • 570,000 t of CO 2 can be mitigated annually by using carbon-free electricity. • Economic analysis reveals the breakeven price of methanol is US$491/ton. CO 2 utilization via methanol synthesis can be an effective approach to mitigate the issue of global warming. This study developed an innovative process to produce methanol by combining water electrolysis with tri-reforming of methane (TRM). The proposed design utilized carbon-free electricity to split water into O 2 and H 2 ; O 2 is collected for partial oxidation reaction in the TRM and H 2 is collected for stoichiometric number (SN) optimization. This process configuration eliminates the typical problems of H 2 surplus or deficit associated with methanol synthesis and allows a substantial amount of CO 2 to be converted. The main process flowsheet was developed with Aspen HYSYS process simulator and then the feasibility of this project was evaluated based on its technical, environmental, and economic performances. The estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX), operating expenditure (OPEX) and GHG emissions of the baseline plant are US$774 million, US$263 million/yr. and −0.14 kgCO 2 eq/kgMeOH, respectively. In particular, water electrolysis process accounted for 34 % of CAPEX and 51 % of OPEX. A discounted cash flow (DCF) model combined with sensitivity analyses showed that a breakeven point could be reached with a methanol price of US$491/ton. The results demonstrated that combining water electrolysis with TRM could achieve a sustainable carbon-sink process for methanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology for identifying suitable locations for the CO2‐based production of olefins in Germany is presented. Based on electricity and CO2 requirements, locations are identified that can provide sufficient CO2 and renewable energy for the conversion of CO2 to olefins. In addition, the use of existing infrastructures is taken into account. The regional, technical renewable energy potential in Germany is sufficient to produce ∼ 800 kt of olefins from CO2‐based methanol per year in one plant. But the currently available CO2 point sources with high CO2 concentrations of around 100 % are not sufficient to meet the CO2 requirement of an 800 kt a−1 methanol‐to‐olefins plant. If existing refineries are preferred due to existing infrastructure services, locations in the north of Cologne, in Lower Saxony, and in Brandenburg are particularly suitable. A full substitution of fossil olefins by CO2‐based olefins is possible in Germany. The challenge is to provide sufficient renewable electricity for the production of H2 with a low CO2 intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several carbon capture processes are investigated to separate a part of the CO2 contained in the flue gas of a coal-fired power plant located in a chemical integrated plant, with the objective of using it as a raw material in a production process. The expected results are to reduce the impact on global warming potential (GWP) and to increase the productivity of the plant. The study is based on the modelling of the combination of systems in the plant using a process simulation software and using life cycle assessment to evaluate both technical feasibility and environmental aspects. Models for the power plant, the production processes, amine chemical absorption, membrane separation and adsorption on activated coal are developed and validated against industrial and literature data. The life cycle inventory is obtained from the mass and energy balances given by the systems model. A first set of calculations is launched with a high purity requirement for the CO2 stream (95%) recycled into the process. Those calculations show a 12% increase in productivity for the chemical process considered, but result in no significant gain in terms of GWP. Conversely, scenarios with a lower CO2 purity (40%) show a drop around 9% of the impacts on GWP using membrane separation and activated coal adsorption, while keeping the other impacts at about the same level.

Due to lower-cost energy supplies elsewhere, Europe needs resource efficient technologies to safeguard the competitiveness of its energy-intensive industries. The technical feasibility of the CCU value chain components (carbon capture, transportation and utilization) has been widely studied in literature. However infrastructural, regulatory and business strategic issues have received less attention. A review of the relevant policies (e.g. European Emissions Trading Scheme, Renewable Fuels and Waste Directives) has been performed. Stakeholder engagement and the stakeholder influence mapping was used to examine potential climate change, circular economy, renewable energy and regional industrial development policies that can support CO 2 utilization value chains. The main contribution of the paper is to outline potential benefits of policies to foster the production and uptake of CO 2 -derived products such as methanol, polyurethane and mineral construction aggregates. Another outcome is to illustrate the role of key policy-making stakeholders in assessing the suitability of current statutes and the impact of potential changes. An important finding was that the development of connectivity infrastructure is a key missing enabler and more attention to policy on infrastructure is required. Finally, the work examines the justification for a CO 2 Utilization Directive, comparable to the Carbon Capture and Storage Directive, but considering the current complexity of the European Union (EU) policy landscape. • Analysis of all European policies relevant to the development of CO2 utilization. • Stakeholder influence analysis for the future development of CCU policy. • Recommendation to consider CO2 as a material for the circular economy. • Stakeholder engagement with industry participants and European institutions. • Rationale for regional burden sharing of risk in developing CCU infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]