The Efficient Utilization of Carbon Dioxide in a Power-to-Liquid Process: An Overview

Abstract

As the global climate crisis escalates, reductions in CO2 emissions and the efficient utilization of carbon waste resources have become a crucial consensus. Among the various carbon mitigation technologies, the concept of power-to-liquid (PTL) has gained significant attention in recent years. Considering the lack of a timely review of the state-of-the-art progress of this PTL process, this work aims to provide a systematic summary of the advanced PTL progress. In a CO2 capture unit, we compared the process performances of chemical absorption, physical absorption, pressure swing adsorption, and membrane separation technologies. In a water electrolysis unit, the research progress of alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, and solid oxide water electrolysis technologies was summarized, and the strategies for improving the electrolysis efficiency were proposed. In a CO2 hydrogenation unit, we compared the differences of high-temperature and low-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis processes, and summarized the advanced technologies for promoting the conversion of CO2 into high value-added hydrocarbons and achieving the efficient utilization of C1–C4 hydrocarbons. In addition, we critically reviewed the technical and economic performances of the PTL process. By shedding light on the current state of research and identifying its crucial factors, this work is conducive to enhancing the understanding of the PTL process and providing reliable suggestions for its future industrial application. By offering valuable insights into the PTL process, this work also contributes to paving the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions to address the pressing challenges of CO2 emissions and climate change.