Innovations in engineered nanomaterials for enhanced CO2 adsorption and climate change mitigation

Climate change, characterized by persistent alterations in weather patterns from tropical to polar regions, poses a multifaceted challenge that affects numerous sectors globally. Moreover, climate change is also endangering the existence and integrity of many species by disrupting their optimal temperature ranges, thus exacerbating the loss of biodiversity by reshaping ecosystems. The emergence and spread of diseases, exemplified by the recent coronavirus pandemic, are also influenced by climate variability, which enhances the likelihood of foodborne, waterborne, and vector-borne illnesses. The accelerating rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations is a major driver of global climate change, necessitating the development of effective mitigation technologies. Among the emerging solutions, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have demonstrated exceptional potential for CO2 capture owing to their tunable surface chemistry, high porosity, and superior adsorption capacity. This review systematically examines recent innovations in nanostructured materials—such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon-based nanomaterials, zeolitic materials, and hybrid composites—designed to enhance CO2 adsorption performance. The underlying adsorption mechanisms, including physisorption, chemisorption, and surface functionalization strategies, are discussed in detail to elucidate structure–property relationships. Special attention is given to the synergistic effects of nanoparticle modification, doping, and heterostructure engineering in optimizing adsorption kinetics and selectivity. Furthermore, the review evaluates experimental and computational advancements that bridge the gap between laboratory-scale findings and industrial implementation. The study highlights how the rational design of ENMs contributes not only to CO2 capture efficiency but also to the broader goal of sustainable carbon management and climate change mitigation. Finally, future perspectives on scalable synthesis, environmental safety, and integration with renewable energy systems are outlined to guide forthcoming research directions.