Thermodynamic Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Conversion Reactions. Case Studies: Formic Acid and Acetic Acid Synthesis

Carbon dioxide conversion processes are promising alternatives to reduce its industrial emissions. Most innovative processes are still at a low technological readiness level, and thermodynamic assessments are essential for their development. Thus, this work briefly describes the main aspects of thermodynamic analysis and its application for evaluating specific issues of carbon dioxide conversion reactions. The thermodynamic chemical equilibrium is briefly described. Several carbon dioxide conversion reactions to higher-value products are studied, regarding their thermochemistry and influences of temperature, pressure, and solvent (gas and liquid). Thermodynamic analyses are applied to two case studies of carbon dioxide conversion reactions to formic and acetic acids. High pressures, low temperatures, absence of a gas solvent, and abundant suitable liquids likely enhance the carbon dioxide conversion to the most promising products.