Fundamentals of CO2 Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

CO₂ is thermodynamically and kinetically stable, making its conversions to other chemicals and fuels difficult. However, CO₂ can be attacked by nucleophiles, and electron-donating reagents ascribe to the electron deficiency of carbonyl carbons. Therefore, the conversion of CO₂ is achievable in practice despite technological barriers. Key aspects such as molecular structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics of CO₂ are introduced in Chapter 2. In thermodynamics, CO₂ conversion processes are endothermic under a standard state, which shows the CO₂ conversion reactions are non-spontaneous. In addition, CO₂ conversion is difficult from a kinetics standpoint. Particularly, poor catalytic activity and/or insufficient stability of catalysts are the largest challenges in CO₂ conversions.