Energy related CO2 conversion and utilization: Advanced materials/nanomaterials, reaction mechanisms and technologies.

CO 2 conversion to produce useful fuels/chemicals is a promising route for reducing CO 2 emission as well as for exploring the promising energy storage method. To facilitate the research and development of CO 2 conversion, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of CO 2 conversions using advanced materials/nanomaterials and technologies for the production of useful fuels/chemicals. The molecular structure, thermodynamics and kinetics of CO 2 are reviewed for the understanding of fundamentals and explaining why C=O double bonds are difficult to break. The mechanisms and features of various conversion technologies are summarized and classified into enzymatic, mineralization, photochemical/photo-electrochemical, thermochemical as well as electrochemical processes. In particular, by comparing electrochemical conversion technologies at low and high temperatures, CO 2 conversion at intermediate temperatures is emphasized. Furthermore, the economic feasibility for CO 2 utilization is analyzed with cases for the production of various chemicals/fuels. The technical and application challenges of CO 2 conversion into useful fuels/chemicals are also summarized, composing mainly of: insufficient fundamental understanding, low product selectivity, as well as low efficiency and stability. To overcome these challenges, future research directions are proposed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]