Synthesis of novel catalysts for carbon dioxide conversion to products of value

Abstract

This chapter is a description of methodologies for the conversion of carbon dioxide to products of value using catalytic processes. Accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a major problem and an optimal solution is to capture and convert it to useful products. In this chapter, first, the climate challenges due to increasing carbon dioxide emissions, the earth's carbon cycle, sources of carbon dioxide emissions and carbon dioxide capture are discussed. Second, carbon dioxide utilization processes such as enhanced oil recovery, and conversion methodologies including photo-conversion, bio-conversion and catalytic conversion processes are discussed. Third, the importance of scale for carbon dioxide utilization is discussed, and the catalytic conversion pathway is identified as a potential route for utilization in large scales. Wet and gas phase aerosol synthesis methods for catalysts are discussed followed by characterization methods. And finally, a futuristic application on the potential for utilization of carbon dioxide via reforming processes on Mars is presented.