Novel Liquid-Like Nanoscale Hybrid Materials with Tunable Chemical and Physical Properties as Dual-Purpose Reactive Media for Combined Carbon Capture and Conversion

In order to address the global challenges of climate change caused by the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) has been proposed as a promising strategy in carbon management. In parallel with the target of zero emission in fossil-fired power plants, negative emission has also drawn a great deal of attention in other chemical sectors, including cement making and steel production industries. Thanks to the recent reduction in the cost of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, a paradigm shifting concept has emerged to directly convert the captured carbon into chemicals and fuels. In this way, decarbonization in various chemical sectors can be achieved with a reduced carbon footprint. A variety of carbon dioxide conversion pathways have been investigated, including thermochemical, biological, photochemical, electrochemical and inorganic carbonation methods. Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide has been thoroughly investigated with great progress in electrocatalysts and reaction mechanisms. However, fewer studies have been taken to tackle the constraint of the low solubility of CO2 in conventional aqueous ele