Carbon Negative Technologies: Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Conversion

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage are now an essential reality that we are required to adapt to address global climate change concerns. Adapting carbon neutrality or carbon negative processes in mainstream energy generation, manufacturing, and transportation is possible using current technologies, albeit with some limitations. Carbon neutral technologies (CNTs) can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems as well as green technologies to ensure that carbon capture gets a boost. On-land and undersea storage are realistic possibilities since there is immense potential to lock atmospheric CO2 using existing technologies. Thermocatalytic, electrochemical, photo(electro)catalytic, and biological – based approaches do offer promising options, but require optimization of different parameters to ensure commercial viability, scalability, and safety. The role of electrochemical process specifically is examined. New directions for further research in the area of electrochemical – driven applications are identified and opportunities in three areas, viz., electrocatalysts design, pilot scale integrated systems, and simultaneous CO2 capture and conversion, are discussed in detail. The global implementation of any CNTs requires dramatic policy shift, unequivocal support from the world governments, public acceptance, backing from industries, and unwavering financial backing from stakeholders to ensure that there is a real chance to address climate change issues.