The conversion of CO₂ to ethylene represents a promising avenue in carbon utilization technologies, particularly as the world seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ethylene, a critical building block for numerous industrial applications, particularly plastics, is typically produced via energy-intensive processes like steam cracking of hydrocarbons. However, CO₂-to-ethylene technologies aim to recycle carbon dioxide, a waste byproduct, into valuable products, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Compared to other carbon utilization technologies, such as CO₂-to-methanol or CO₂-to-urea, CO₂-to-ethylene offers unique advantages in terms of scalability and economic feasibility, given the global demand for ethylene. Additionally, CO₂-to-ethylene processes, often utilizing catalytic or electrochemical methods, offer the potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, potentially lowering the carbon footprint of the petrochemical industry. However, challenges persist, including the need for highly efficient catalysts, the high cost of electrolysis, and energy requirements. Furthermore, while CO₂ utilization technologies are still emerging, CO₂-to-ethylene has significant potential to complement other carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies by providing a sustainable and economically valuable method for carbon recycling, contributing to the global transition toward a circular carbon economy. In comparison to technologies focused on direct air capture or long-term storage, CO₂-to-ethylene stands out as it not only mitigates CO₂ emissions but also creates tangible economic products. Despite the hurdles in achieving large-scale implementation, ongoing advancements in materials science and catalytic engineering offer hope for making CO₂-to-ethylene a cornerstone of sustainable industrial practices.
