Advancing Sustainability through Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Technologies: The Hydrogel Case Study

Abstract

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) consists of several technologies that are capable of playing significant and diverse roles in the achievement of global energy and climate goals under the context of energy transition. It forms a relevant technological approach for capturing carbon and delivering a net zero energy system. Currently, CCUS projects are mainly taking place in developed countries, with some of them having specific promotion policies such as 45Q under IRA in the US. Several of the current CCUS activities take the form of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). CCS have a value chain comprising the CO2 capture, compression and liquefaction, transportation (by pipeline or ships), and storage (e.g., underground in saline aquifer or depleted reservoirs). CCU shares some of the CCS value chain elements, except storage, as it consists of techniques and initiatives that convert captured emitted carbons into useful products. Hence, adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study explores the concept and relevancy of CCUS in achieving net zero emissions using hydrogel as a case study. This study aims for the implementation of a new CCUS value chain that involves products based on carbon sequestration in land-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR), leading to a high potential for mitigating carbon emissions. Consequently, CCUS is vital to attenuate the problems of climate change, as it plays a key role in decarbonizing and facing the challenge of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, in addition to providing a long-term alternative compatible with sustainable development. Based on its properties and characteristics, especially as a polymeric electrolyte with a high capacity for conducting physical separation, this study proposes hydrogel as a viable technique for the maximum capture of atmospheric carbon. Such captured carbon is then utilized for various applications or stored appropriately. This study concludes with a highlight of specific lessons learned in this regard, and the major challenges observed with this CCUS technique.