Deep eutectic solvents as a versatile platform toward CO2 capture and utilization

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an emerging class of green solvents with flexible designability have attracted remarkable attention in efficient CO₂ capture and utilization due to their high affinity with CO₂. Herein, this review provides a detailed overview of DES-mediated CO₂ capture and utilization based on the latest advances. The CO₂ capture in DESs is summarized from the perspective of physical and chemical absorption, with particular emphases on various absorption mechanisms, thermodynamic analyses, effects of water, and computer-aided DES screening and design methods. Regarding subsequent utilization of CO₂, DES-mediated thermal conversions (mainly the cycloaddition reactions of CO₂ and epoxides) are illustrated from epoxide activators, CO₂ activators, and catalytic role of DESs; while DESs and ILs used for CO₂ trapping, activating, hydrogen evolution suppression, and electrocatalyst preparation are discussed in the electrochemical CO₂ reduction processes. Finally, the future challenges and outlooks for DES-mediated CO₂ capture and utilization are proposed.