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Electrochemical approaches for integrated CO2 capture, concentration, and utilization: Mechanisms, synergies, and challenges
Nano Research 2026, 19(6): 94908371
Published: 06 May 2026
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Electrochemical carbon capture and utilization (eCCU) has emerged as a transformative technology to mitigate carbon emissions while enabling a circular carbon economy. This review systematically examines integrated electrochemical CO2 capture and concentration (eCCC), with particular focus on pH-swing systems, coupled with electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) or utilization. The synergy between these processes is critically analyzed: eCCC efficiently captures diluted CO2 steam from flue gases and releases it in pure form, providing an ideal feedstock for subsequent electrocatalytic conversion to value-added products including carbon monoxide, formate, ethylene, and ethanol. This electron-driven approach offers substantial advantages over conventional thermal methods, including reduced energy penalties, operational flexibility, and compatibility with renewable energy sources. However, significant challenges persist in catalyst stability, system integration, energy efficiency optimization, and economic viability on scale. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of these barriers and presents a forward-looking perspective on research priorities and development pathways to accelerate the implementation of practical electrochemical carbon capture and utilization technologies for industrial decarbonization and sustainable chemical production.

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