Plasma assisted CO$_2$ splitting to carbon and oxygen: A concept review analysis

TL;DR

This paper reviews the potential of plasma-assisted methods for splitting CO2 into carbon and oxygen, highlighting current limitations and proposing a conceptual approach to stimulate further research in this challenging area.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conceptual approach for plasma-assisted CO2 splitting into carbon and oxygen, aiming to advance climate change mitigation technologies.

Findings

Limited existing studies on plasma-assisted CO2 splitting to carbon and O2

Current research mainly focuses on CO formation from plasma CO2 splitting

Proposes a new conceptual approach to stimulate research in plasma CO2 splitting

Abstract

This concept review paper analyses the possibility to develop a technical solution for the challenging reaction of CO$_2$ splitting to carbon and O$_2$ (CO$_2$tC). This is a dream reaction in the area of addressing climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. There are quite limited literature indications that were reviewed, with an analysis also of the limits and perspectives. Not-thermal plasma, in combination with catalysis, is one of the possibilities to promote this reaction. Current studies on plasma-assisted CO$_2$ splitting are limited mainly to the formation of CO. By combining data on the status of current studies on plasma CO$_2$ splitting with those on CO$_2$tC it is possible to propose a tentative novel approach. This is a conceptual idea presented and discussed as vehicle to stimulate research in the area, including proposing alternative possibilities. The challenges of this concept and reaction are discussed.