# Chemineering – CO2 as Feedstock ## Introduction The chemical industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses. In 2018, it was responsible for 7% of global emissions. One of the main reasons for these emissions is the use of fossil fuels as feedstocks. Fossil fuels are a major source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. ## CO2 as a Feedstock One way to reduce the chemical industry's greenhouse gas emissions is to use CO2 as a feedstock. CO2 is a stable molecule that can be converted into a variety of chemicals. However, the conversion of CO2 into useful chemicals is a challenging task. ## Challenges of Using CO2 as a Feedstock The main challenge is the activation energy of CO2. CO2 is a very stable molecule, so it requires a lot of energy to break it apart and convert it into other chemicals. This makes the process of converting CO2 into useful chemicals expensive and energy-intensive. Another challenge is the selectivity of the reaction. When CO2 is converted into other chemicals, there are often multiple possible products. This can make it difficult to control the reaction and produce the desired product in high yields. ### Despite these challenges, there are a number of companies that are working to develop technologies to convert CO2 into useful chemicals. ## Benefits of Using CO2 as a Feedstock There are a number of benefits to using CO2 as a feedstock. First, it is a renewable resource. CO2 is produced naturally by the respiration of plants and animals. It is also released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Second, CO2 is a non-toxic gas. It is not harmful to humans or the environment. Third, CO2 is a relatively inexpensive gas. It is often available as a byproduct of industrial processes. ## Applications of CO2 as a Feedstock CO2 can be used as a feedstock to produce a variety of chemicals, including: * Fuels * Plastics * Chemicals * Materials ## Conclusion The use of CO2 as a feedstock is a promising way to reduce the chemical industry's greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be overcome before this technology can be widely adopted.
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