Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases, and it is the main contributor to climate change. Its emissions have been constantly increasing over the years due to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, efforts are being made to mitigate emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS). An alternative solution is to close the carbon cycle by utilizing the carbon in CO2 as a building block for chemicals synthesis in a CO2 recycling approach that is called carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Dual function materials (DFMs) are combinations of adsorbent and catalyst capable of both capturing CO2 and converting it to fuels and chemicals in the same reactor with the help of a coreactant. This innovative strategy has attracted attention in the past few years given its potential to lead to more efficient synthesis through the direct conversion of adsorbed CO2. DFM applications for both postcombustion CCU and direct air capture (DAC) and utilization have been demonstrated to date. In this review, we present the unique role DFMs can play in a net zero future by first providing backgrounds on the types of CCU methods of varying technological maturity. Then, we present the developed applications of DFMs such as the synthesis of methane and syngas. To better guide future research efforts, we place an emphasis on the connection between DFM physiochemical properties and performance. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of DFM development and recommend research directions for taking advantage of their unique role in a low-carbon circular economy.